Vijai P. Sharma, Ph.D
The ones who continually observe and analyze themselves discover the secret of commanding their destiny. They come to recognize that all their actions and decisions are caused by their thoughts, even the so-called mindless actions.
Likewise, behind every creative product, there is imaginative thought.
We always retain the power to choose our thoughts regardless of our circumstances.
"I can't help but think," is just a figure of speech. Unfortunately some take it literally. We can always "help" our thoughts when we may feel down and defeated.
Some say, "Every time I try to pick myself up, something always knocks me down." We may at times feel that the universe is working against us. But the universe operates by certain laws. Understanding and respecting those laws enhances our own power. The universe is not against anyone. But, we have to right ourselves to feel that the universe is right.
James Allen in As A Man Thinketh, says that we might find that an honest person is poor, while a dishonest person we know might be rich. We may "blindly" conclude that dishonesty pays. But, the individual might not be rich because of his or her dishonesty. It's other personal qualities that might be contributing to his or her wealth.
Notice that the proverb says, "As a man thinketh in his heart." Why does it say "heart" and not "mind"? Because, in one sense, thoughts originate and also end in the heart. Angry thoughts create anger and compassionate thoughts, compassion.
We do have tools to transform ourselves into what we might wish to be. We have the freedom to direct our energy and intelligence in whatever direction we choose. So, choose wisely. We are always masters of our thoughts even in the weakest moments. We may not always exercise that power, though.
How about the circumstances? One may say, "I couldn't help it that I was born poor (or born to abusive parents)." Of course, fetuses don't have the privilege of choosing their parents and children have little influence over their parents' behavior. However, the point is that when we have the choice to think or feel, what do we choose?
We can't choose our circumstances, but we can choose our thoughts, which can alter our circumstances.
In his book, Allen refers to the Great Law, which should strengthen the hope for everyone. The Great Law is that good thoughts and good actions can only produce good results and bad thoughts and actions only bad results.
Our inner "environment" creates our outer environment. By changing your thoughts towards others, there is a chance that they might begin to feel better about you. Likewise, when you change your thoughts towards the world around you, there is a chance that the world will change around you. When you believe in this cause-effect relationship, you might feel that the ground under your feet is solid and as firm as a rock.
To cite an example from Allen, thoughts of courage, self-reliance and decision crystallize into habits of assuming responsibility for one's actions, which solidify into circumstances of success, plenty and freedom.
This cause-effect relationship also applies to health. After all, health is a "circumstance" shaped by thoughts minus the genetic influence. Your body "listens" to every word you say and every thought you think. After all, the body is the servant of the mind.
Pleasant and healthy thoughts help us to preserve our youthfulness and beauty. Thoughts charged with high energy, personal confidence and strength might be contributing to our vigor and vitality. Thoughts of malice, grudge and resentment can rob the body of those resources that contribute to good health.
Direct your thoughts. Bind them to a purpose you hold dear in your heart. Here is a technique that some highly creative and innovative people often use. The technique is called "solitary brainstorming." It is like playing the "solitary" card game. Say, you have a problem to solve or a goal to reach. Sit down with a bunch of blank pages. Write that problem or goal at the top of the paper and start writing down whatever ideas, questions or solutions come to your mind.
You will be amazed how your thoughts become focused, creative and solution oriented. Furthermore, you might also find that such a deliberate and purposeful exercise on a regular basis will enhance your self-control and willpower.
Let me end with another pearl from James Allen: "All that a man achieves and fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts."
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Copyright 2003, Mind Publications
Posted January 2003
Dr. Vijai Sharma
Your Life Coach
By Telephone