Breaking The Mold
Imagine this: Pablo The Brickmaker has a mold for bricks that is this long, thiswide, and this high. He’s been using it for years. As long as he mixes the clay in the same manner, fills the mold in the same manner, and subjects the bricks to the same temperature for the same amount of time, he gets the same results. Always. His success at making bricks is founded upon the application of this knowledge. The process is as predictable as night following day, and day the night.
The point? That, likewise, the results we experience are shaped by the subconscious paradigms (or molds) that we’ve formed or acquired during the course of our life. From Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, a definition of paradigm: example, pattern, especially an outstandingly clear or typical archetype. Subconscious patterns are basically a collection of beliefs that we hold to be true. Whether these beliefs are actually true is irrelevant to the subconscious mind; for it always blindly accepts the information it receives. It does this twenty-four hours a day, without rest, every day of our life. If we habitually repeat I’m an idiot, it’shighly unlikely that we’ll ever receive the highest marks in the class. If we habitually repeat I’m such a klutz, it’s, likewise, unlikely that we’ll become the most coordinated athlete. And we shouldn’t be surprised to find ourselves overweight if we’re habitually thinking and saying I’m so fat. The mental pattern is formed first; the physical manifestation appears afterward.
So, how do we change our results? By deliberately changing our subconscious patterns. We do this by displacing negative beliefs with positive ones; limiting with empowering. And: It’s vitally important to affirm what we desire; not what we don’t. We must be clear with our thinking. For example: Saying I’m not overweight,is not the same as stating I’m at a perfect weight for my height. In the first case, we’re actually drawing attention to what we don’t desire to manifest; thereby making the existing pattern stronger. We must also realize that it’s not enough that we know certain knowledge; we must apply it! Until we do, the results that manifest will–according to law–remain the same. How could they not? Would that not be akin to asking a corn seed to bear a potato? Or a pea seed to yield a cabbage? Our results will change when we change our paradigms, not before. This basically means that we must think in a different way; speak in a different way; and act in a different way. A worthwhile pursuit? If doubtful, we could ask Pablo what he’d have to do to create a different brick.
Dare to dream.
With heartfelt regards,
Art
Copyright © – 2017 – R. Arthur Russell
P.S. To view my ebook entitled Hold That Thought, please press here.
Perfectly Imperfect
Our study of the Law of Attraction is done for one basic reason: To improve our skill at deliberate creation. Most individuals seem dependent on Fate, that cruel master who delivers a good life to some…but not to most. We, however, yearn to be free; to create according to our own desires. With this in mind, we govern our thoughts, words, and actions. We trust that we will be guided. And so…
We apply ourselves earnestly. We water our goal daily, as though tending to an intangible seed. We read books and study; learn from mentors who’ve been successful in a similar field; take action based on intuitive guidance. At some point, however, we may stumble over a trait that’s common to many individuals: the desire for perfection.
Here’s the rub: Although the desire to perform flawlessly may seem harmless, or even noble, such a mindset may actually prevent us from ever achieving our goal! Why? Because whether we know it or not, fear is often intimately linked to the desire for perfection. Behind the scenes, our ego may be lurking, whispering: What if people laugh at my efforts? What if I face ridicule, rejection, or failure? What if, what if, what if? And related to this nature of thinking are two consequences: (A) It may prevent us from ever beginning a project (under the guise of being rational); or (B) ever releasing our creative works out into the world. The reason: To keep us comfortably–and supposedly–safe in the shadows.
The good news? Perspective, and the knowledge that we are free to choose it! When we cast off our insane need for perfection–while still maintaining the desire to perform to the best of our current ability–we take giant steps forward! We come into our own sense of power and person! We also connect with a deeper way of being in the world; one that courageously states “This is my effort! Like it, dislike it! Accept it, or reject it!” We’re able to see beyond our fears related to acceptance, to what truly matters: that we ever tried in the first place! That alone puts us ahead of the crowd! Find one person who has always been successful first time, every time, and we will most likely have found a liar.
We, however, may be honest with ourselves and true to our vision. We may feel the fear and step through it. We may risk being vulnerable to grasp the reward awaiting us! And if we’re concerned about what others think, we may rest assured in this: Chances are they won’t even notice. They’re probably more concerned about what we’re thinking about them.
Dare to dream.
With heartfelt regards,
Art
Copyright © – 2017 – R. Arthur Russell
P.S. To view my ebook entitled Hold That Thought, please press here.
Ashes
There’s an Eskimo Proverb that goes as follows: Yesterday is ashes. Tomorrow is green wood. Only today does the fire burn brightly. In a few short words, the proverb offers wisdom that–when applied–can improve our point of attraction now. And with a good point of attraction (predominant perspective or attitude) we’re going to attract better experiences. That doesn’t mean maybe; that doesn’t mean possibly; that doesn’t mean perhaps. That means we most certainly will! It’s universal law.
One of the key teachings regarding the Law of Attraction is that all of us–in some way or another–may unintentionally disallow the good we seek by viewing the world through a perspective that doesn’t serve our best interests. When we don’t see clearly, we may miss opportunities to mine golden experiences right here and now. One of the ways we do this is by focusing on either the past or the future. “This and this and this was wrong in the past; and that and that and that is going to be wrong in the future!” The proverb, however, serves as a potent reminder of the truth: Only today does the fire burn brightly! Only now matters. And only in the present moment do we connect fully and vibrantly with power. The thoughts we engage in the living moments of our lives are, indeed, creating our future experiences.
So what does this mean? It means that whatever we experience–perhaps divorce, the end of a career, a financial loss–becomes ashes the moment it’s experienced. The experience only continues if we mentally carry those ashes forward. The same is true of positive experiences. Repercussions of either may reverberate for some time, but the actual events are over. In short, we are always creating. The decision of what we create–be it joy, misery, or a degree somewhere between the two–is up to us. And here, another expression offers great truth: Pain is inevitable; suffering is an option. We suffer when we resist what has been created in any moment.
Are we to give up on any future goals and just float around like ducks in water, waiting to bump into whatever drifts our way? No, not at all. We are co-creators and we’re meant to create; but from a balanced perspective that reflects an understanding of what’s truly important in life. We’re also wise to drop our concerns about the past, for it’s senseless to worry about that which cannot be changed; and equally as pointless to forfeit today’s richness by fretting over an imagined future!
Regarding actual ashes: Good friends of mine recently shared an account that holds great value. It relates to an elderly aunt of theirs, and the death of her longtime partner. He had died about three months prior; his body cremated. They told me that during a visit with her they watched as she surreptitiously spread her partner’s ashes in a location that had held special meaning for both of them. His ashes had been contained in a cardboard box lined with plastic. Their account reminded me of the Eskimo Proverb. I thought: All that we fret about, stew about, worry about, lose sleep about; are anxious or angry about–all of it will be reduced to this: ashes.
Is this–to know that we will undoubtedly die–cause to be maudlin? No, not at all, at least from my perspective. To know that dust will, indeed, return again to dust provides us even more reason to live–fully, joyously, and gratefully in the moment! Aware of this, we may ask ourselves what gold surrounds us here and now. Is it not waiting to be mined by individuals who possess the right attitude? Are we fortunate enough to have family, friends, bread, water, a roof over our head? And certainly not least: Love? Does love not hold the greatest value of all? Truly knowing this–not just parroting the words–has the potential to change our life for the better; and not at some distant point in time. Now.
Dare to dream.
With heartfelt regards,
Art
Copyright © – 2017 – R. Arthur Russell
P.S. To view my ebook entitled Hold That Thought, please press here.
Preemptive Strikes
Most of us, unfortunately, will have heard the term preemptive strike, usually in the context of war. From Wikipedia, its basic definition is as follows: A surprise attack launched with the stated intention of countering an anticipated enemy offensive. The premise is that the first to strike will gain advantage, likely by catching the enemy off guard or unprepared.
As this relates to the Law of Attraction, a preemptive strike is not against an enemy but against ourselves and our goals! In many cases, such action reveals hidden fear or a subconscious belief in unworthiness rather than any real reason why our goals can’t be achieved! This covert operation is often habitual, a mechanism related to memories of past goals attempted without success. It works thus: Instead of allowing our goal to manifest, through intuitive guidance toward action required, we unconsciously defeat it with our negative thinking. Once again, this type of mentality offers proof that we bring about what we think about! It is destructive in nature, not constructive. This is the strike; the attack against our own aspirations.
Why, though, would our mind attack a goal that could potentially enrich our life? Because a new goal requires us to shift out of our comfort zone, and that can be a terrifying experience! In fact, many motivational speakers claim that if a goal doesn’t scare us a little that it’s probably not big enough! When the mind strikes down a goal, we may temporarily feel some relief, just to have the matter settled. However, in the quiet hours of the soul we realize what’s being sacrificed.
Regarding preemptive strikes in war, who would know the best action to be taken? This, however, is certain regarding the achievement of our goals: Unless we remain open to possibilities, we doom our dreams. The mind that’s launching preemptive strikes would have us believe that it’s being of benefit; that it’s protecting us from painful future experiences. But such a mentality negates the value of lessons learned from attempting in the first place! It’s actually sabotaging our dreams before they’ve been given a chance.
How do we counter these attacks if they occur? By recognizing them for the enemy they are! By questioning their validity and, if appropriate, refusing to accept that our goal can’t be achieved just because we don’t know the way now! Such requires patience, persistence, insight, faith, and action! The subconscious will undoubtedly attempt to convince us to be realistic; to accept that some people are lucky and some not. The truth, however, is that luck has nothing to do with it.
Dare to dream.
With heartfelt regards,
Art
Copyright © – 2017 – R. Arthur Russell
P.S. To view my ebook entitled Hold That Thought, please press here.
Applied Willpower
Wallace D. Wattles (1860 – 1911) was a New Thought author who wrote many books on the subject of the Law of Attraction. In The Science of Getting Rich, he devoted an entire chapter to sharing his opinions about the proper use of willpower. His views are logical and helpful for everyone who desires to apply the Law of Attraction more effectively.
When the subject of willpower arises, the thought of New Year’s Eve might immediately spring to mind. We might think of the countless resolutions that are made…and often soon broken. We might also picture a struggle or battle; one in which we physically force ourselves to reach for a pinnacle that symbolizes success.
For some individuals, the use of willpower also includes the misguided notion of manipulating others through deceit and duplicity. Of this, Wallace Wattles is very clear. He states that mental coercion through the use of willpower is no less wrong than physical coercion. He also states that our willpower is not to be used outwardly, upon effects that already exist. We are to use it inwardly, at the level of cause. According to him, the purpose of applied willpower is to change who we are, at the core of our Being. And as we already realize, when we change within, the world without must also change.
How do we properly use willpower? By exercising our power to choose rightthoughts. In any given situation, right nature thoughts create right–or better—results. We, ourselves, possess the power to choose how we think and feel. With a clearer perspective, we may consciously and consistently engage better thoughts; thereby creating better outcomes. The key, of course, is to put these teachings into practice.
Dare to dream.
With heartfelt regards,
Art
Copyright © – 2017 – R. Arthur Russell
P.S. To view my ebook entitled Hold That Thought, please press here.
“Thank You” & Note to Publishers
Be Strong
How simple it may sound, to be strong. And how annoying it may be, especially if stated by individuals who appear to be sitting on top of the world, seemingly removed from any trials and tribulations. Such advice may seem trite, useless, hollow, and worthless. It isn’t. Let’s contemplate this further through a brief detour into personal history:
A year ago, I had another knee surgery. Nothing major: the second tear to the meniscus of my right knee. It should be fine, but that wasn’t what my thoughts were telling me during the first few days post surgery, when my knee was sore and difficult to bend. And my thoughts didn’t serve me well when I recalled the surgeon’s words as he showed me photos taken within my knee: “And here’s what we didn’t want to see.” He was referring to arthritis, I assume, or definitely wear and tear.
The point of this article is not a pity party about one guy’s knee. The purpose is to offer real life strategies grounded in the effective use of thought. While the mind–that great trickster–would have us believe there’s something useful behind weak and fearful thoughts, we must ignore it. We must turn it off, as though a tap dripping acid on our head. Instead, we must turn on thoughts that empower us toward the results we desire achieved. In my case, that meant ignoring “What if this ends my career? What if the pain continues? What if I need a knee replacement?” and focusing on thoughts that served my highest good. The goodness appears when we learn to think effectively.
The late Wayne Dyer (1940 – 2015) expressed this simply and succinctly: The law of floatation was not discovered by contemplating the sinking of things. Meaning: We cannot possibly achieve what we desire by thinking about what we don’t! Ernest Holmes (1887 – 1960), who was a New Thought writer, teacher, and leader, expressed this in a different manner through the following quote: No soul can demonstrate two things at the same time if one contradicts the other. There is no way except to let go of all that you do not wish to come into your experience, and, in mind, take all that you do wish. If we don’t desire to spend our lives wallowing in weakness, we must first be stronger and more determined. This builds the character that helps us navigate through the storms of life.
How may we apply this to co-create real and lasting results? By focusing on empowering thoughts–perhaps through affirmations such as I am strong, or I am getting better each and every day–despite facing the most trying circumstances. This means overcoming the temptation to focus on our troubles–perhaps health issues, business struggles, marriage woes, or the death of a loved one. Weak and fearful thoughts can never create strength! When we break the habit of worrying upon weakness, our own natural strength will rise within us. We were born with it. It’s an essential aspect of our true nature.
Dare to dream.
With heartfelt regards,
Art
Copyright © – 2017 – R. Arthur Russell
P.S. To view my ebook entitled Hold That Thought, please press here.
Intention Matters
One of the key tenets of the Law of Attraction is that the Universe mirrors back to us–in circumstances, situations, consequences, and degrees of success–the life images that we think and feel. What I’m speaking about is habitual thought and feeling patterns, not random or inconsistent ones. Another key concept to understand–for successful manifestation–is that whatever goals we undertake MUST be for the good of all involved or the Universe will not support them. It is undeniably possible to achieve selfish goals–and plenty of humans still do–but there will be consequences. Ultimately negative ones.
How do we really understand intention? It’s simple, especially when viewed from the perspective of our conscience. All of us come with conscience, albeit in varying degrees. What may seem right for one person might seem absolutely wrong for another. Ultimately, though, conscience is an innate part of the human experience; we realize–deep down, deep within–whether a goal is motivated by our own selfish reasons or whether it will benefit all, without inflicting harm to anyone. And no amount of spinning a lie will ever make it the truth. The Universe knows this…and so do we.
Intention is a simple concept, really; and the more we think and feel and act in accordance with good, the more success we will experience and encounter. Of note: many spiritual teachers teach that the words God and Good could really be synonymous. (This is not intended as a religious comment, as I realize that religion is a highly personal journey for everyone). If you’re a person willing to entertain the concept relating to God that I’ve just described, you may be able to see the potential benefits: By aligning with good you would actually be aligning with God/Source/Divine Intelligence.
Scoff at the notion of what I’ve mentioned? That’s fine! It’s healthy to hold our own personal inquiry into subjects! Am I saying that no one can be successful, even when applying bad intentions? No, obviously not. It’s easy to look around and see examples of many people who may have seemed to prosper, even while using unscrupulous methods. What I am suggesting, however, is that those people will ultimately pay a steep price for their actions. On the surface they may have benefited financially; on another level, however, they may have suffered personally, perhaps in their degree of health. They may also have suffered hardships either personally or professionally.
Does this affect our dreams and goals? Does it mean that we have to become a Mother Theresa? To live at her degree of dedication and sacrifice? No. We can still strive for our own health, our own wealth, our own success (personally defined, of course). Contrary to public opinion, it’s not selfish to put ourselves first. We can still desire great financial success, for example, just as long as no one will be harmed in the process. If we’re acting in accordance with teachings from The Science of Success by Wallace D. Wattles, everyone with whom we interact–in business or our personal life–should also benefit from his/her involvement with us! If there is any intention of cheating someone, or deliberate deception to gain advantage, we immediately know that no lasting good can come through such an intention.
So, intentions–especially long-lasting and habitual intentions–matter. If held long enough, and imbued with emotion, they must manifest into what we will see in our lives. The choice–and ability to align with a Power much greater than our own–is in our hands. Now…what are we going to manifest? There’s an abundance of good to go around…for everyone!
Dare to dream.
With heartfelt regards,
Art
Copyright © – 2016 – R. Arthur Russell
P.S. To view my ebook entitled Hold That Thought, please press here.
The Big Question
I’ve been interested in the teachings of the Law of Attraction for many years. It has fascinated me since I was a very young man. The idea of being able to plot my own course, free to envision a life of my own design, was irresistible. Still is. If there was such a way to live, I wanted to live it! With that in mind, I began a search to find the way. And this is where the Law of Attraction entered the picture. Although the teachings weren’t called by that name when I was younger, the fundamentals have remained the same.
I am fully aware that to many people the very concept of the Law of Attraction–and its teachings–may seem ludicrous. Even the terminology can seem bizarre. There is talk of The Universe; vibration, planes of existence. Even the word attraction seems childish in some ways, as though implying an almost magical method to draw what we desire into our experience. To top it off, we are taught that we should imagine whatever we desire as existing…now! In spite of this–and leaving myself open to ridicule–I openly admit that I am a believer. This is due, in part, to a question that invariably arises when the Law of Attraction is discussed, at least to people who are curious about the very nature of life.
The question that I alluded to is this: Are we free? If we are, that implies that there must be a way to create–freely–independent of a creator. Our freedom–at least by my definition–must be total and complete, all or none; and I believe that anyone who teaches Law of Attraction believes the same. It would be illogical to claim that we are free creators only part of the time, of the good outcomes only; perhaps between the hours of 2:00 to 10:00, with Fridays off!
If we are not free–in every sense of the word–then it would seem equally illogical to call ourselves living human beings! If FATE, or DESTINY, was behind every step we took, every corner we rounded, and every path we walked, how could we possibly call that living? The very word life implies freedom! If we’re not free, wouldn’t our existence sound more like that of an automaton…or a puppet, with a Creator pulling strings for His/Her amusement?
The beginning of my ebook entitled “Hold That Thought,” I wrote from the perspective of a 50% believer. And with good reason. It was easy to accept that I held responsibility for the positive results in my life; and tracing the path of decisions made and actions taken easily led to the conclusion that I was responsible for where I was in life. I could even accept my responsibility for some of the less-than-desirable outcomes, admitting that I had made certain mistakes that brought about certain outcomes. What was most challenging, however, was accepting a degree of responsibility for the creations that only a lunatic would have wished to come true! There called accidents by most people, but accidental creation is totally at odds with the teachings of the LOA. This proved to be a stumbling block for many years.
Ultimately, I think that everyone–irrespective of his/her position in life–may at least casually examine the big question I have mentioned. Most of us want to know; perhaps because it might seem like such a shame to die–and with some remaining spark of consciousness realize that we were free all along, and that we could have created much grander lives!
So, there you have it: The big question. I’ll take the Law of Attraction–and all of its teachings–any day! I’ll accept that my thoughts lead to certain feelings, and that certain feelings lead to certain actions. I’ll also believe that I am supported by the intelligence of the Universe. Through consistent thought (toward personal desires), I’ll receive intuitive nudges that will lead me forward. I’ll even accept that I don’t have to know every step along the path. I’ll move forward by faith and trust. Why? Simple. I don’t believe in Fate. Sitting around like a potato–on that infamous couch–has never really appealed to me.
Dare to dream.
With heartfelt regards,
Art
Copyright © – 2016 – R. Arthur Russell
P.S. To view my ebook entitled Hold That Thought, please press here.
So What!
Jack Canfield, famous author of the Chicken Soup For The Soul books, and practitioner and teacher of the Law of Attraction, used a two-word phrase in one of his presentations that I enjoyed. The two words were So What!
In his presentation, he was describing how many people let their personal history prevent them from taking some of the necessary steps toward living their dreams. The people he was describing (and I admit that I, too, have been one of them) often stated that they were “too old,” or “too poor,” or “not educated enough” or “from the wrong side of the tracks,” or “not smart enough” or “not talented enough” to actually pursue their desires. The not this and not that and not something else is a common mindset, and on a certain level it makes perfect sense. It seems logical. The statements may even seem true. They will likely be reinforced, too, by well-meaning family and friends. Those type of statements, Jack said, basically fall under the “So What!” category.
Everyone, he stated, may share some or part of that type of personal history. The difference between those who succeed (and I would place anyone who at least attempts his/her dream into that category) and those who never attempt their heart’s desire is that those who succeed refuse to let themselves–or their future– be defined or limited by where they were born, their degree of formal education, the amount of money they possess, or any other reason. These type of people realize that a focus on the negative–on the reasons why they CAN’T possibly achieve a goal–will never lead them to the fulfillment of their goals! What do they do instead? They choose to focus–powerfully–on the reasons why they CAN achieve what they desire.
To be fair, successful people also realize other truths: They know the importance of educating themselves, either formally or informally. Libraries offer a great deal of information; so does the internet, and these type of people wisely make use of both. They also know the importance of having a mentor who has already achieved some degree of success in their particular field of interest. You don’t have to know the mentor personally; just watching or listening to how your mentor progressed is enough to help.
Although the short phrase–So What–might seem harsh, I’m writing about it here with a positive intention. Perhaps it will stir us to examine the lives of many successful people around us. We are mistaken if we assume that they were born with some great advantage in life. No doubt some of them may have been born into environments that proved beneficial to their rise to fame, fortune, or prominence in a particular field. Many, however, have lifted themselves by sheer WILL and ATTITUDE and PERSEVERENCE. Hats off to them, for through their example we, too, may be inspired. As someone once said, “we stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us.”
Dare to dream.
With heartfelt regards,
Art
Copyright © – 2016 – R. Arthur Russell
P.S. To view my ebook entitled Hold That Thought, please press here.
What Are You Telling Yourself?
So, you’re running late for an appointment, and you’re ready to leave your home when you realize that you’ve misplaced the keys to your car. If you’re like the majority of people, you’ll begin a mad search; looking on the top of your dresser, the key holder at the entrance to your home, or your purse or pockets. As the minutes tick by–and you feel the mounting pressure to leave–there will most likely be an interior dialogue squawking in the background of your mind.
In most cases, the habitual dialogue of your thoughts might sound like the following:
- “Oh, God, I’m never going to find these keys!”
- “I’m going to be late; I just know it!”
- “I don’t have time for this nonsense!”
- “I can’t see them! Why can’t I see them?”
- “This is just like me! I’m so stupid!
- “Today of all days!”
If any of that dialogue sounds familiar–as though you might at some point have told yourself something similar–you are not alone. The vast majority of people might let their mind behave in such a manner. Is that dialogue harmless? Hardly…and here’s why:
What we are habitually telling ourselves is a reflection of our inner thoughts. Those inner thoughts–as Louise Hay, of HayHouse Publishing would tell us–are creating our future. In effect, we’re programming ourselves in much the way that a computer is programmed. There’s an age-old phrase in the computing world, familiar to many: Garbage in; garbage out. It means that the success of the computer systerm will only be as good as what was programmed into it. Humans are no different!
How the above dialogue actually brings an effect in our real world is simple. For every time that we tell ourselves “I can’t find my keys!” we’re actually programming the mind not to alert us to the keys even if our eyes have actually seen them! A little proof of the above, which many may have experienced, is when someone–perhaps a spouse or partner, who wishes to assist us in our search–proceeds to look in the very same drawer or coat pocket that we have just searched. Exasperated, we tell him/her that we’ve already looked there, only to have the person triumphantly shout that he/she found the keys…in the exact place had already searched!
Why could this actually happen so often? The answer–which I cannot prove–is actually simple to understand. The spouse/partner is using a different program, one with very different dialogue playing in the background. In fact, the person may take great delight in finding something that we could not find. Chances are the helper was telling him-her/self: “I know I can find those keys; I know I can,” or something similar.
The lesson here is that we, too, can change our programming, by consciously making the effort to do so. The good news is that we can apply this programming in ways that will be beneficial to us in every aspect of our life. It doesn’t take a genius to realize the difference that positive internal dialogue could make regarding a business we’re starting, a weight loss program, an exercise plan, or a new skill that we’re trying to master.
What we’re telling ourselves matters, literally; for what we tell ourselves manifests as the matter (circumstances and situations) in our environment. Mystical? Maybe, but that doesn’t mean it’s not true. The theory might be worth putting to a test the next time you misplace your keys. Just try telling yourself something positive.
Dare to dream.
With heartfelt regards,
Art
Copyright © – 2016 – R. Arthur Russell
P.S. To view my ebook entitled Hold That Thought, please press here.
Four-Minute Focus
Until May 6, 1954, the distance of a mile had never been run in under four minutes. Think of it: four minutes; all to cover 1,760 yards, 5,280 feet, or 1609.34 meters–whatever terms you may use to define the distance. The point is, to cover that distance–that fast–is still smoking hot! At least for a human. The math works out to 15 miles per hour.
For many years, people believed that running a sub four-minute mile was an absolute impossibility. They believed that the human body could only move so quickly; that other, opposing forces, were somehow ruling against us. That belief stood–seemingly solid, impenetrable, concrete–until crumbling under the belief and ability of one man. That man was Roger Bannister, running under the indomitable power of his spirit.
There is a rumour that I’m going to use for the purpose of this post; it matters not whether it holds a bit of truth. Years ago, I read that in preparation for his famous mile run, Roger wrote a time–sub four minutes–on a slip of paper and placed it in his shoes. Just imagine how keeping his desire close could have helped him achieve his goal.
What I’m suggesting is that we, too, can write a note to ourselves…about any goal that we choose. In doing so, we’ll place our focus on what we desire, leaving nothing to fate. Periodically, we should look at our goal, drink it in with absolute faith, even if we’re unaware of how we can possibly achieve it. By doing so, we are exercising faith, without which no great achievement was ever accomplished!
Now, I ask you: What will you write on your slip of paper? Do you wish to lose a few pounds? If so, write an affirmation, phrased in the present tense, as though you’re at your ideal weight…NOW. If it’s more financial prosperity you desire, write that goal on a slip of paper and refer to it often. Believe that you have it NOW. Greater relationships? More success in a specialized field? Travel goals? You know what to do. Doing so helps bring the intangible to earth, where we may act to experience our dreams in the here and now.
While we’re at it, I think we, too, could well put four minutes (at least) to good use each day by sitting quietly, calmly, imagining the life that we desire. By doing so, we’ll be planting goals–like seeds of intention–into our minds. Through repetition, our subconcious will accept this new belief as fact, and urge us–through our intuition–to act in such a way that will lead to the actual creation of that desire. In time–if we are patient and hold faith–we will feel inspired to act without questioning. The more we trust, and act upon the inspiration we receive, the closer we will move toward the fulfillment of our goals. Stress, worry, and anxiety are the antithesis of faith; they actually–literally–move us further away from that which we desire to achieve. In any moment, however, through our power of focus, we may use our mind wisely and deliberately choose the thoughts we think.
Oh, by the way. The current record for a human running the mile is held by Hicham El Guerrouj of Morroco. The time stands at 3:43.13.
Dare to dream.
With heartfelt regards,
Art
Copyright © – 2016 – R. Arthur Russell
P.S. To view my ebook entitled Hold That Thought, please press here.
Think2wice 