(1) Either sitting or walking: take a word or phrase and repeat, concentrating on the phrase (either the sound or the meaning). Whenever you get distracted, notice it, then draw yourself back, gently and persistently.
(2) Either sitting or walking: with your eyes open or closed,
concentrate on all physical sensations (what you can hear, see, feel
physically, or even smell or taste). Whenever you get distracted, notice it, then
draw yourself back, gently and persistently.
(3) Either sitting or walking: be silent, listen to the
silence, and stay in the moment. You will be constantly distracted by your
mind. Observe what distracts you, and what that teaches you, then draw yourself
back, gently and persistently, to the silence. Whatever difficult feelings
arise, observe them, and know they will pass.
(4) Either sitting or walking: concentrate on breathing. Whenever
you get distracted, notice it, then draw yourself back, gently and
persistently.
(5) Sitting: read some spiritual literature, line by line. Read
one line. Let the idea resonate; let new ideas come to mind; let thoughts associate;
ask yourself how the line applies to your life or some aspect of it. When you
drift or exhaust the line of thinking, or if nothing comes, read the next line.
(6) Take a problem or difficulty. Remind yourself you are no
longer running the show, ask for God's will to be done, then ask for the right
thought or action. Let God show you the answer, if any. There may be no answer
right now. If the thoughts that come are angry, frightened, or guilty, they are
not from God.
(7) Run, cycle or swim. Talk and listen to God as you do so.
See if you can exhaust these seven techniques.