Imagine, if you will, that you own a grand palace. It is your home; where you live, breathe, and experience this life. So beautiful, it consists of bright spacious rooms, winding staircases to its many levels, and the finest furniture. It is lighted by chandeliers that cast a warm glow in every room. You cherish your time there, for it is peaceful and warm; the most wonderful place on earth.

Now imagine, too, that one evening–when you’re feeling tired, weak, and negative–you forget to lock its one and only door. A fitful sleep soon comes over you. In the middle of the night, you suddenly awaken and bolt upright. Upon rising, you overlook your palace and are stunned by what you see. Paintings have been yanked from the walls, chandeliers destroyed, windows broken, and furniture overturned. Fires are burning in several rooms; the air is thick with smoke. While you were sleeping, vandals rushed in and looted or destroyed so many of your treasures. Your palace–your peace–is in ruins!

I realize that you’re aware of my purposeful analogy between our mind and the palace. When we leave the door of our mind unlocked–unguarded–negative thought processes are free to rush in and create havoc if we are not present. Our role is to be the guardian of our mind; to safeguard it by choosing which thoughts to allow entry. If we continually focus on anger, complaints, guilt, gossip, hatred, and regrets–to name only a few–we run the real risk of losing our peace of mind. Such thoughts cannot create a beautiful, healthful, and prosperous life. They just can’t! Why? Because thoughts are the blueprint for our life experiences. They create–every time, all the time–according to their nature.

What to do? It’s obvious, but worth repeating. As co-creators of our life, our task is to determine what we desire, believe that our dreams are possible, and then act to bring them to reality. This is accomplished by realizing our true nature, and being present–moment to moment–as much as possible. It’s true: Life abhors a vacuum. The space of mind that is not filled with love, optimism, courage, fortitude, and other positive traits leaves it vulnerable to the negative intruders. Our best defense, as always, is to be present, positive, and mindful.

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. 🙏🙏

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”