user690: I have heard a lot about vipassana just being mindful of what happens to come up, not looking for more things to notice. However, if we compare meditation with e.g. lifting weights, when you start, you lift (say) 50, so even though its harder, you add 20 more... Then when you normally just need to lift 50, its way easier because you've been working out with 70. My question is, why not do that with meditation? I'm curious why some people don't think it's the thing to do.
As in speed noting, if I can be aware of everything all at one time constantly isn't that being fully aware?  If I can see even the most minute details of the current reality effortlessly through pushing my mental ability during meditation, looking further into things to note more things and staying aware of them all at one time moment by moment till they pass away.  Until you lose track but then try to remember to be attentive to those that remain and notice the new. 
What is said about mental "exercise" as a developmental practice?

user4762: Forcing awareness is a tricky concept.  I would not be surprised if every practitioner of meditation has done it on occasion.
The best analysis I have found for the issue is that forcing awareness can, in theory, allow one to become more insightful and aware.  However, the act of doing so admits the "desire for insight and awareness."  By meditating in this fashion, it is not possible to simply let that desire pass through you.  It is held on to.  At the very least, this is a desire which will not pass.  It can obscure that which you are looking for.  At its worst, it can lead you down a false target leading you along a less ideal path.
I have found that forcing awareness in meditation can be effective for identifying illusions and assumptions, but it is less effective at actually encouraging awareness.  Accordingly, in this complicated world with its many illusions and assumptions, I feel it has its place.  However, the traditional approaches as advised by the other answers are more effective as these things they do best.  A focus on them is wise.

user295: The mental exercise the be able to note everything is developing Concentration and Wisdom. These are tenets covered in the Anapanasati Sutta and (Maha) Satipatthana Sutta according to the Theravada Tradition.

690: <p>I have heard a lot about vipassana just being mindful of what happens to come up, <em>not</em> looking for more things to notice. However, if we compare meditation with e.g. lifting weights, when you start, you lift (say) 50, so even though its harder, you add 20 more... Then when you normally just need to lift 50, its way easier because you've been working out with 70. My question is, why not do that with meditation? I'm curious why some people don't think it's the thing to do.</p>

<p>As in speed noting, if I can be aware of everything all at one time constantly isn't that being fully aware?  If I can see even the most minute details of the current reality effortlessly through pushing my mental ability during meditation, looking further into things to note more things and staying aware of them all at one time moment by moment till they pass away.  Until you lose track but then try to remember to be attentive to those that remain and notice the new. </p>

<p>What is said about mental "exercise" as a developmental practice?</p>
 4762: <p>Forcing awareness is a tricky concept.  I would not be surprised if every practitioner of meditation has done it on occasion.</p>

<p>The best analysis I have found for the issue is that forcing awareness can, <em>in theory</em>, allow one to become more insightful and aware.  However, the act of doing so admits the "desire for insight and awareness."  By meditating in this fashion, it is not possible to simply let that desire pass through you.  It is held on to.  At the very least, this is a desire which will not pass.  It can obscure that which you are looking for.  At its worst, it can lead you down a false target leading you along a less ideal path.</p>

<p>I have found that forcing awareness in meditation can be effective for identifying illusions and assumptions, but it is less effective at actually encouraging awareness.  Accordingly, in this complicated world with its many illusions and assumptions, I feel it has its place.  However, the traditional approaches as advised by the other answers are more effective as these things they do best.  A focus on them is wise.</p>
 295: <p>The mental exercise the be able to note everything is developing Concentration and Wisdom. These are tenets covered in the Anapanasati Sutta and (Maha) Satipatthana Sutta according to the Theravada Tradition.</p>
