Developing Concentration

The following advice on this particular subject will be found helpful to

those contemplating the formation of development circles, and the

unfoldment of their latent powers of mediumship; it is from the pen of

an earnest student of this subject, and one who is himself a competent

medium. This person says: "One of the most important prerequisites for

success in the development of mediumship along spiritual lines is the

ultivation of the power of concentration. In the early days of the

movement the would-be medium was advised to be 'passive,' and passivity

was often construed into self-effacement. We are now learning to

distinguish between receptivity and docility, between apathy and

aspiration. A medium is not, and should not be willing to become a mere

irresponsible tool. For intelligent and beneficial association with, and

inspiration from, the people of the higher life, a certain degree of

abstraction is necessary. To cut one's self off from ordinary

conditions, to retire into the sanctuary of one's own inner

consciousness, to 'enter the silence' as it is sometimes called, is

helpful training for the preparation of conditions favorable for the

manifestation of spirit-power. The Quakers were true spiritualists in

this sense, and evidently realized the need for the concentration of the

soul's forces and their withdrawal from the outer plane, preparatory to

the descent of the spiritual influence that moved them to speak.