Preparing your mind (part two)

Previously we looked at general preparation of your mind for learning. Today we engage in specific preparation that we can use before any learning event, be it a class, a reading, or some other learning experience.

Specific preparation
When you begin any program of study, be it self-study, classroom-based or some combination, your mind is often far from the task at hand. You may be thinking about a conversation you had recently, a project you are working on, the weather, your messy room, what you’ll have for dinner, or any number of things – none of which relate directly to your learning objectives. 

Furthermore you may be tired, hungry, not feeling well, or resentful about the time this course is taking away from your regular activities. 

These conditions and mental distractions are of course obstacles to learning. So what do we do about them?

Beyond the obvious suggestions – rest, eat, or seek medical attention – there are several things you can do to pacify mental distractions.

First, if you about to engage in self-study, tidy your room or study space so that you have minimal visual distraction. If possible, turn off any video or audio equipment, including computers, to minimize other forms of distraction.

Now identify the distracting thoughts or to-do items. You may find it helpful to write them down. Then identify each as important / not-important and then urgent / not-urgent, so that each item has both an importance rating and an urgency rating.
Remind yourself that you are making time for something – your learning – that may not be urgent, but is very important.

Now let go of all of the not-important items by saying to yourself, “If these become important at some point I will take care of them at that time. For now, they can go.”
Now, take care of those items that are so urgent that you simply must get them out of the way before you start your learning.

Then, having decided how much time you will allot for this learning task, give yourself permission to set aside all of the remaining items on your list for that amount of time, the same way you might for a vacation. 

Finally, engage in a relaxation meditation. There are several methods. Here’s one:

Sitting in a comfortable position, with your back straight and not tense, partially or fully close your eyes.

• Bring your focus to the gentle sensation of your breath. Notice the slightly cooling sensation as you breathe in, and the slightly warming sensation as you breathe out.
• Maintain this focus for about five minutes. If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath.
• At the end of the meditation, gently relax your attention.

Now, open your eyes and prepare to listen – and learn.

Next: listening and learning.

-David Luke, Senior Consultant at FocusFit (2007) Inc.

© 2011 D. G. Luke and FocusFit (2007) Inc.