This practice is effective for those who are prone to restlessness and find it hard to collect their minds. The basis for this is for those who recites parittas or short sadhana as their daily homework.
Initially one reads from text from each sentence word for word mentally. Lightly note if one's mind strays from reading.
Then next one recites mentally with looking at text. Observe the mental sound made by mind, and bring back lightly to mental recitation when mind strays.
Then one reads the same sentences aloud without visually reading the text.
Listening word for word as each word is utter, again take note if one concentration has strayed.
Read aloud word for word when reciting from text. Notice which comes first, does the vocal recitation comes first, or one reading of text precedes the speech, or it the actual practice is on auto pilot while one is following one's thought?
The objective to observe one processes when reciting as one attempts to devote singularly one mind, visual and hearing attention when one is reading and reciting and putting mind's attention into the practice. This way, ine can develop the right effort and concentration in one's daily practice.
Hopefully, some of you may be able to relate and find this suggestion of some use
We are apt to go through motion once we get the hang of things so as to allow ourselves to follow our train of thoughts and emotions. Our restless selves have become so accustomed to switching between different modes of multitasking,helps the I in avoiding the singlepointedness.
The practice should be done lightly, so that one's mind does not tire and stray. Pause and take note of arising thoughts until one settles down and is able to go back to one's recitation.
This simple practice will find itself useful for people needs to long periods listening and find themselves too distracted by their internal monologues.
I find short contemplatives such as the ; precious body, impermanence, karma(cause and result), short coming of samsara are excellent subjects of practice. It is the shortness of teachings makes them useful! You also will find profundity of the teachings increases the longer you practise and you reflect later on!
For those wishing a more deeper, intense focus may include visualization of the words later on.