A friend of mine named Lisa (who’s been an avid gardener and member of a horticulture society for several years) recently told me a true-life account that beautifully–and simply–illustrates one of the teachings of the Law of Attraction. It’s about her passion for gardening, and also our study of mind.

The point that relates to this article occurred during a tour of her gardens–I believe last year. As she was walking beside an older lady, Lisa suddenly exclaimed, “Oh, I missed a weed!” The older woman smiled and then said, “My dear, with so many beautiful flowers to look at, why would you ever focus upon that one weed?” The comment made a lasting impression on Lisa; and we may also take a lesson from it.

Every day, in every waking moment, we are focused upon something. Such is just part of being human. If we’re focused upon the outer, that something may be a place, a person, a meal, or anything else that can be brought into our awareness through our five senses. If we’re focused upon the inner, that something may be a memory, a worry, a flight of the imagination, or any other type of thought process. Our focus shifts so frequently–often automatically–that it can be easy to forget that we possess the power to direct it. That ability is our birthright; and whether we are master of it–or slave to it–makes a huge difference in the quality of our lives.

Doubt this could be true? Imagine the following situations and consider the real life difference that focus could make: Dining at a restaurant and choosing to focus on what is delightful about the atmosphere, rather than what seems wrong about the service. Picking up your car after repairs and choosing to focus on being grateful that it’s fixed, rather than the size of the bill. Beginning another night shift and choosing to focus on being grateful for being employed, rather than how tired you may feel in the morning.

For those who desire to consciously create better lives, it’s imperative that we learn how to deliberately direct our focus. The alternative–well known among those who meditate–is termed monkey mind. The term applies perfectly, for it depicts a mind leaping from stimuli to stimuli, unable to stop itself. A quote by Robin Sharma also holds relevance: The mind is an excellent servant but a terrible master. To create the results we desire in life, we simply must nurture our ability to concentrate.

In How The Mind Works, Christian D. Larson cautioned that outer stimuli should never be allowed to make an impression upon the unconscious mind. Why? Because if we’re mentally absent, we leave ourselves vulnerable to the consequences of negative thoughts. How, though, do we rid ourselves of the negative–and often repetitive–weeds that may keep popping into our mind? The method is simple and becomes easier with practice: by withdrawing our attention from them! When we do, such negative thoughts must wither and die.

We are creators or–if you will–gardeners of the mind. It’s our responsibility to tend it well; no one can do it for us. At first, this may seem a daunting task. It is, however, our privilege. The rewards of learning how to direct our focus–from weed to flower, or from negative to positive–are well worth the effort. Just take a look at Lisa’s garden to be reminded.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2020 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. May it help you in your spiritual journey. 🙏🙏

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