Meditation is an ancient practice that remains popular today due to a variety of benefits. It does not require special equipment, only your time and intention to optimize it. There are three primary types of meditation- guided, open awareness, and concentration. If you aim to improve focus and stay grounded, concentration meditation will help you achieve just that.

What Is Concentration Meditation?

Concentration meditation is the practice of focusing the brain on a particular point, which can be an object, breath, phrase, word, or candle flame. The objective of this meditation is to develop single-minded attention to stay calm, grounded, and focused.

How Do You Benefit From Concentration Meditation?

This type of meditation is designed to still the mind and the body to attain a high state of consciousness. It generally helps in reducing the level of stress, worry, or depression. Meditation works to center your being, enhances resilience, and prevents mind-wandering to ‘what-ifs’ and other negative thoughts.

For students whose tight schedules and activities are making them anxious most of the time, concentration meditation can tame overwhelming thoughts, improve attention, and help them gain back focus longer. In addition, regular meditation improves well-being and boosts self-esteem. Those who practiced meditation are less prone to jitters associated with exams and other school activities. This can be attributed to improved working memory that retains the information better and helps in problem-solving.

Practicing Concentration Meditation

Concentration meditation is easy to do and can be done anytime, anywhere, as long as the area is quiet and free from distraction.

• Choose a spot for your meditation practice.
• Find the most comfortable position. Concentration meditation can be practiced by sitting, standing, or lying down.
• Wear comfortable clothing.
• Use a timer and set it initially in short sessions, like 5 to 10 minutes, to get familiar with the practice. Gradually increase the meditation period.
• Close your eyes and focus on the object of your concentration. If you are visually concentrating on a tangible item, look at it in a relaxed manner. When you choose a word or your breath, focus on it naturally.
• Hold on to your continual focus. When distracted, just return your attention to the object of concentration.
• Release any distracting thoughts by allowing them to pass on your mind. Do not dwell on them.
• When the session is over, allow your body and mind to return to reality.

Takeaway

With so many distractions via social media and other electronic means, it is hard to focus your mind on the most important. One way to sharpen your ability to focus is by practicing concentration meditation. It does not just help you concentrate better but also improves your memory and mental power.