Concentration: The continuing power of focus

Concentration: The continuing power of focus

The best example of concentration or at least my favorite occurs when playing music in a band where everyone is listening intently to each other. At a certain point you forget about what you are playing individually and you merge into the consciousness of the band which has become a force of sonic expression. The pulses, beats and melodic phrases all add to the intensity of the moment that is building dramatically all the more so because this is a singular experience. Even if you record this experience it cannot be duplicated or surpassed by the actual feelings you had when you were there. Music then has transformed itself in the primary language of the emotional harmonies that soar from each soul and create this rising spirit of unity. During such times I have been literally carried away in ecstasy all the while playing along in key and in time. Sometimes I have the distinct feeling of having left my body. It is strange yet there isn't anything to fear about this because it happens organically. This is the kind of concentration that you can build within yourself even if you are not playing in a band.

Start with a thought of what your heart desires and continue not only to think about this at every opportunity but also get yourself mainly into the feeling of what it would be like for the satisfaction of this desire. This satisfaction is even greater to meditate upon than the actual physical imaging of your hearts desire. Out of your feelings will come your demonstrations. Keep those feelings paramount in your thought atmosphere. Do not react to negativity because you will lose your focus. Let go of frustration and every impediment to your continuing power to keep your focus upon your emotions of completion and triumph.

A young girl walks out on stage to play her very first piano concerto. Her practice sessions have been superb. She is supremely confident. She knows she will succeed and begins to already feel the applause and the satisfaction that comes from living inside of the music. She realizes that despite her fingers actions on the keys themselves that the music truly lives inside of her. As she breathes nuances in the music evoke tears of happiness from her admirers in the audience. A gentleman in the back who will one day become her teacher remarks that for this girl about to become a woman it isn't so much what she plays but it is how she plays that is most remarkable. There is the difference between an accomplished technician and a true artist. The music flows effortlessly from her in waves of emotion as it was meant to do.

In your meditations flow with the music of your emotions and keep that flow nourished with images of fulfillment. In this way your hearts desire will knock on your door seeking your acceptance. It must be like this and can be no other way.