Problem with Concentration Practice

[Rasheed]

 I do daily 20 minute concentration practice. Problem I have is: Most of the time I am really able to focus full 20 minutes like a hawk but there are some instances I am unable to really concentrate and my mind just start to wonder. 

 In those cases, I feel like: I did not actually do my concentration practice and wasted time...Is this part of getting good at it? Part of the actual practice itself?

[Matt8800]

20 hours ago, Rasheed said:

 I do daily 20 minute concentration practice. Problem I have is: Most of the time I am really able to focus full 20 minutes like a hawk but there are some instances I am unable to really concentrate and my mind just start to wonder. 

 In those cases, I feel like: I did not actually do my concentration practice and wasted time...Is this part of getting good at it? Part of the actual practice itself?

@Rasheed Yes, you are doing it correctly. A wandering mind is WHY you do it. Just tell yourself that every time your mind wanders, to ratchet up the focus even more.

If you arent staring at a focal point (dot, candle flame, etc) for concentration, i would incorporate this.

There are massive benefits to this practice.

Edited October 2, 2019 by Matt8800

[Rasheed]

2 hours ago, Matt8800 said:

@Rasheed Yes, you are doing it correctly. A wandering mind is WHY you do it. Just tell yourself that every time your mind wanders, to ratchet up the focus even more.

If you arent staring at a focal point (dot, candle flame, etc) for concentration, i would incorporate this.

There are massive benefits to this practice.

 Thank you.

 Personally, I do the finger pressure and it works fine for me. 

 What do you use in your practice? If you haven't tried the finger pressure, personally I like it.