CONCENTRATION.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 592, 3 January 1916, Page 4

CONCENTRATION.

Concentration is a great necessity these times. Perhaps the hardest proof to which we can put our powers of concentration is wten we feel it best to leave some matter entirely alone. An anxiety which cannot be settled, a worry which expense, or a question we are bound b\' honour not to ask, are all cases which call for the habit of controlled thought. It requires as much self-discipline to keep our minds from forbidden subjects as to engage them upon uncongenial work. Habits of concentration and self-control, gained by patient self-discipline in trifles, stand us in good stead in times of mental strain and physical weakness, and lessen the burden'of nervous fret when more than our share of responsibility falls to us. Concentration is one of the most important factors which make for capability and reliability. Self-rever-ence, self-knowledge, and also self-con-trol alone lead to sovereign power. j In great crises concentration is the first requisite for prompt and efficient action. We must be prepared to waste no mental energy over "ifs" and "buts," and "might-have-beens," but to focus our thoughts at once on the problem to be decided. A disciplined mind should be able to concentrate its whole activity at will in any direction, and entirely cut off all communication on both sides. Good work requires partly ability and experience, but it also needs concentration. Now, concentration is more a habit than a gift; it may be inherent, but it can certainly be cultivated, and a little trouble spent in training one's mind to obedience is amply repaid by result. The huge silent army of women working with all their powers bent on a certain object is a case very much to the point. Their efforts are concentrated night and day on helping all in their power our defenders, and it is quite certain they will go on with their wonderful singleness of purpose to the very end.