All very good suggestions. Thank you, Mola Samba. When you discover the answer to your 3 questions, I hope you share them.

Philosopher Eknath Easwaren teaches that meditation can help us train our attention. When we are aware of our monkey mind at work, we are simply to go back to the beginning of the passage we are trying to ingest. Each time we wander, we must go back to the beginning. Eventually, we will absorb what it is we wish to understand or retain.

Examining oneself with an open heart and mind is an act of courage which leads to personal growth. Who among us is perfect, or even wishes to be perfect? Better we should try to be a better "us. " A wise friend once made a statement I have never forgotten..."Comparisons are odious." I think there is a connection regarding becoming the best person we can be...comparing ourselves to no other than our self!!