“How has all the knowledge in the world been gained but by the concentration of the mind? The world is ready to give up its secrets if we only know how to knock, how to give it the necessary blow. . . The more concentrated [the mind] is, the more power is brought to bear on one point; that is the secret.”
– Swami Vivekananda
In the book Siddhartha, Herman Hesse writes, “Most people are like a falling leaf that is blown and turning around through the air, wavering and tumbling to the ground. But others, a few, are like stars: they go on a fixed course, no wind reaches them, and in themselves they have their law and their direction.”
Consider the thoughts that occupy our minds: What should I wear today? What should I watch on Netflix? Does my boss appreciate my work? How can I get more likes on my social media post?
Now ask yourself: Do such thoughts make me a falling leaf or a star?
According to Swamiji, the only difference between the lowest and highest man is the degree of concentration. The lowest man’s attention is a slave to circumstances while the highest man directs his attention on the right aspects.
Take a leaf out of the book of great people. Improve your concentration and direct your attention towards work that:
- Moves you closer to your goals.
- Makes you useful to others.
- Disciplines you.
What you pay attention to decides the quality of your life. Invest it wisely and you will live well.