How to Improve Concentration with a Magic Key

This little "stupid human trick" feels like you are performing magic, but it really just gives you bio-feedback on the unconscious micro-tremors in your muscles. It's a great way of improving concentration and mind-body control.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• a key (or a ring or pendant)
• a string or shoelace
• a drawing of a target (optional)

1. Magic Key Target

   While you can do this without a target, it helps to do it the first few times with one. You can use the image shown in this step. Click on it to bring up the full-sized picture, and drag that to your desktop. Then Print it out.

2. Tie the key or pendant to one end of the string.

3. Hold the end of the string and dangle the key over the center of the target. Let your hand and arm relax, but keep the key from touching the target. The key will wobble and waver normally. Do not attempt to control the key consciously with your hand.

4. Concentrate on the key's movement. Imagine that you can push the key with your mind. Think about it, picture it swinging away from you and toward you as if you were pushing a swing. Imagine that you can feel The Force flowing from your mind. If you are relaxed enough and concentrate well enough, the key will start wobbling in the direction.

   It will feel like your mind is moving that key, but it's really just that your mind and body are adjusting in ways that you don't normally control.

5. Concentrate on bringing the key to a stop, then make it move again. It will get easier. Make the key swing in circles, make it stop and swing in the other direction.

6. Do this exercise when you feel distracted. Make the key run through a series of tricks. (Make sure you are not using your conscious muscles -- do this with your "mind".) When you are done, you will find yourself more focused and ready to concentrate.