Unit 197 Part A

20    On the other hand, what I find really fascinating ...
21    is how the mind can reject sounds around us that we 're not interested in.
22    We can sort of switch off to the sounds that don't concern us
23    and concentrate on those that do.
24    There's no doubt, though, that being aware of this ability to blot out certain sounds
25    will help your powers of concentration.
26    For example, if you're in a crowded gathering, most people can train themselves
27    to ignore things they hear but don't want to listen to.
28    This usually occurs in a situation where we are 'obliged' to pay attention,
29    but in which our interest is not completely engaged.
30    But the thing to do is adopt the position of a strongly opposed critic.
31    You can lean forward 'all ears', even when listening to something boring.
32    This means that your attention is directed to a complex,
33    constructive criticism of all that you are hearing.
34    All of these are among the most tried and tested
35    methods of improving any mental performance.
36    You can give yourself little personal tests for detecting differences between, say-
37    the songs of different birds, and the general noise level at work
38    or school at different times of the day.
39    This will help you first of all visualise, then remember what you have heard.