mind control

Concentrate!
Choose anything, choose an internally repeated word (a nice one!) or an object. Focus your eyes/inner voice on it, try your very best, then...
simply notice if you become distracted WITHOUT engaging in any self-judgement (e.g. by NOT saying, "Oh, **** I'm thinking about shopping and my mind's wander, what an idiot, now I've failed, i may as well give up"... etc.!!!).
Training the mind is all about keeping it in the present moment.
"In between our memories of the past and our dreams of the future, there is a gift called the present."
All but the present NOW moment is illusion...
So, focus and if the mind wanders know that the mind's purpose is to think - it is only doing it's job - so don't beat up on your wonder-full brain for working, just return your focus to your chosen object.
give yourself permission and allow yourself to fail without negative internal chatter or self-criticism.
It's not what you do it's the way that you do it!
oh, also try balancing - that really helps concentration which trains the mind to remain focussed - Yoga poses could include Natarajasana, Vrkasana,
Good Luck!
x

Hi Andy, The best way I find is to focus on the breath. The ujjayi breathing we use in ashtanga yoga creates a sound that is a good focus point. Don't beat yourself up when you find your mind wondering either, just acknowledge the thoughts, put them to one side, and then re connect with the breath.
Good luck
Namaste, Cathy

I presume you mean how do you stop your mind from wandering? Assuming this is the question my answer is as follows.
Any attempt to force the mind from wandering will not only be fruitless but may also increase your mental wanderings.
Proceed gently and patiently, allow the mind to wander, force and effort 'to control' will only create emotional and psychological resistance to achieving what you wish to achieve.
Concentrate for as long as you can concentrate without any effort to control, over time with regular practice (small & often like a good diet) your mind will wander less and you'll be able to focus for longer. Your mind doesn't like to be told what to do (who does) it needs to be coaxed gently. Invest the time gently and patiently and your concentration will improve.
Don't concentrate too hard, this in itself will create resistance to concentrating, allow your concentration to be relaxed and fleeting, allow the commentary in your head to go where it may but maintain a small relaxed part of your mind at the task in hand.
Try coming to one of my Yiquan classes. Yiquan has innovated & elevated zhan zhuang (standing practices) to their highest level. Properly practiced zhan zhuang is ideal for developing this soft, relaxed but powerful intent.
http://www.mindboxing.co.uk