Developing focus and concentration involves increasing the signal and decreasing the noise. If a mentally constructed visual image such as a triangle is selected as a signal then any other experience such as sensations, perceptions, thoughts, emotions, feelings or physical sensations other than the triangle, are noise.

Uptime vs. Downtime
Uptime vs. Downtime is a computer term used to describe whether a computer is actively connected to a .nother computer network or not. Uptime describes an active connection, downtime is when the connection has been broken.

Also a cognitive term used to describe whether or not a human subject is actively sensing or perceiving a specific signal such as a mentally constructed visual image. Uptime is when the image is clear and visible, downtime is when it is not clear and visible.

Knowledge vs. Sensation
Knowledge and sensation are two different types of signals. An example of a Sensation signal is feeling the breath, looking at a mandala, or repeating a mantra. An example of a Knowledge signal is to recall what a familiar thing looks like. A signal based on Knowledge is a more stable and accurate signal and far easier to control and sustain. Many people have a lot of difficulty in seeing things in their minds eye, but everybody can recall a familiar thing, especially when they know how it looks.

Mental Morphing
Mental morphing describes how one thought changes into another thought, or one type of experience into another type of experience. A closexamination of the thinking process reveals that a thought doesn't change crisply from one to the other, instead it morphs subtly.

Verbal Prompts
A method to establish and maintain an active Uptime mental connection with a specific signal. When doing the intense focusing required in this method you sometimes "forget" what the image looks like. Without continuos external references it simply disappears. Verbal prompts serve as external references and keep the mind perfectly focused on the signal. When the noise gets to intense simply repeat the verbal prompt that most effectively solidifies the signal.

Resistance vs. Persistence
The feelings produced when physical, mental and emotional resistance meets active persistence. Resistance is an irritating and annoying emotional response to the act of sustaining focus with the effort of will. Persistence is disciplined, do-what-it-takes determination to sustain the signal for the allotted time no matter how much pain and aversion it produces. Resistance is sometimes referred to as the growing pains of the will. The more pain you feel the more your will is growing. No pain, no gain.

Resistance Barrier
Resistance Barrier is the breaking point as physical, mental and emotional resistance gives in to persistence. The closer you get to the barrier the more resistance you experience. When you go through the barrier there is a temporary split second unconsciousness followed by a mental shift signifying the activation of a mental level higher than the previous one. Sustaining focus becomes extremely easy at this point until you start closing in on the next higher mental level.

Doing vs. Thinking
The difference between actually doing something and thinking about doing something. Doing is when you practice and actively carry out specific exercises according to instructions. Thinking is when you classify, plan, schedule, wait or otherwise think about doing.