It was Saturday afternoon, and Randy and Ananda, who were nine and ten, respectively, were out for a walk in the backstreets of the small town in which they lived. They were headed nowhere in particular, but there was a high probability that the local playground would magnetically attract them to its swings. The days of September were winding down, signalling that another summer was about to pass away. As they turned onto Revelation Street, an empty pop can caught there attention; and they took turns kicking it back and forth.

When they arrived at the playground, they sat in the swings and lazily traced patterns in the sand with their shoes.

“I’ve gotta get better grades in school this year,” said Randy. “My mom and dad say that I have to study harder.”

“Yeah?” said Ananada.

“Uh, huh,” said Randy, “but I already do work hard.”

“You can do it,” said Ananda, “just really have to believe that you can.”

Abruptly, Randy leapt up from the swing and dug deep into his left pocket of his blue jeans. “This is going to help me, too,” he said. He was holding a rabbit’s foot lucky charm outstretched in his left hand.

“How is that gonna help?” asked Ananda, as he moved closer for a better look.

“It’s going to bring me good luck.”

“Hmm,” said Ananda, “I guess if you believe it’s going to help, then…maybe it will; but the charm itself doesn’t have any power.”

“No?” asked Randy.

“Uh, uh,” said Ananda. “My mom and dad have been teaching me stuff about the mind since I was six. Last week, they read a passage to me from a book called “Thought Power,” by a guy named Siv…ananda.”

“Like your name,” said Randy.

“Close, at least, said Ananda. “He said that the type of thoughts that we carry around with us is what’s really important. Good thoughts, that are believed with feeling, lead to better stuff happening.”

“Are you trying to say that I could do better in school if I just believed I was getting better grades?”

“Yup,” said Ananda, “as long as you can really see it in your mind.”

“Hmmph,” said Randy, shaking his head, “I don’t know. This sounds kinda weirdo to me–about my thoughts making a difference in my grades.”

“I can prove it,” said Ananda.

“How?” asked Randy.

“When I first moved to town, I didn’t have any friends at all,” said Ananda. “I was feeling really lonely. Mom and dad said that I should put my mind to work, and imagine that I had the best friend, ever.”

“And…?”

“I’m looking at him!” exclaimed Ananda.

A smile, as broad as the prairies, swept across Randy’s face; and with that the two boys left the playground and headed home.

***

For readers who are interested in making their own luck, here’s the quote from Thought Power, by Swami Sivananda, that was referred to by Ananda:

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2022 – 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. My YouTube videos may be found through this link. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. 🙏🧡

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