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The Power of Concentration:
How to Take Control of Your Life by Keith A. Shaw MindBodySpirit.com
book review by Wendy Thomas
"It is the person that concentrates on every possibility that makes a masterpiece of both their work and life."
Inspired by the words of Theron Dumont–a leader in the New Thought Movement–this two book set includes a lesson book with an accompanying workbook. In total, it gently takes you by the hand and teaches you to be aware of and overcome bad habits, improve communication skills by identifying blocks, and get what you want in life by focusing on your goals.
Concentration is the key to getting things done, and Shaw does a tremendous job in pointing out how a lack of concentration can sidetrack you and siphon energy from your true goals. Written using a fun and conversational tone, he builds on the information presented in each of the sixteen chapters, while leading you through a series of exercises and insights that help you to recognize blocks in your life. After each lesson, you are instructed to do the associated exercises in the workbook.
Examples of the workbook exercises include:
- Focus on a full glass of clear water for about 3 minutes thinking about how calm it is and then picture yourself in that calm state.
- Work on breaking a bad habit by affirming to yourself: "I am not a weak person: I can stop this habit. This habit is bad for me and I want to break it."
- Keeping a journal of daily self analysis.
For those who recognize the link between mind and body, they will know that these seemingly easy exercises can bring great results.
Modeling what is being taught, each chapter focuses on one aspect regarding the benefits of powerful concentration. The reader is initially led through a discussion on the theory of concentration, and in the later chapters, the reader is ready to focus on specific areas (courage, wealth, desires) where concentration is imperative for success.
A positive and gentle book, it reminds us all that we have much power over our thoughts and actions and if we focus on what we want out of life, chances are we can make great strides toward our goals.