Mental Eavesdropping

monitoring-thought

To become more proficient at the deliberate application of the Law of Attraction, it’s vital that we monitor our thinking. By this, I’m not suggesting that we need to know the nature of each and every thought, for such would be impossible; but we must certainly realize the gist of our mind. In this process of mental eavesdropping, we might imagine that we’re a dutiful guard standing watch at the doorway of our mind. Our primary task is to grant entry to positive thoughts; and to deny entry to all negative.

For individuals new to the Law of Attraction, the idea of monitoring our thinking may seem very strange. To achieve the results that we desire, however, the importance of this must be grasped. As Napoleon Hill stated in Think and Grow Rich, most people don’t actually think.  They allow their minds to drift in one direction one minute; a different direction the next. This scattered focus leads to haphazard results. Successful creators are able to maintain a relaxed but concentrated focus at will. How, though, do we develop the habit of focusing properly when we experience average 60,000 – 70,000 thoughts per day?

The task of mental eavesdropping, which may at first seem daunting, becomes easier when we understand the role of feelings, which serve as invaluable indicators of our thought patterns. The key is understanding this:The thoughts we think lead to the feelings we experience. Thus, the way we’re feeling reveals the nature of our thoughts. Through the course of a day, we may apply this knowledge effectively by paying attention to how we feel. If we’re feeling good, joyous, and content, such means that everything is on course. If we’re feeling angry, depressed, or frustrated, we’re wise to examine the nature of our thoughts. In most cases, a negative thought pattern will be evident. Perhaps we’re regretful about the past, or fearful about the future. A loved one may have died, or an important relationship concluded. Business may have been slow, or our health been less than optimal.

I’m not suggesting we should become automatons; we are, after all, having a human experience. However, for the sake of manifesting effectively, we’re wise to get our thinking back on track as soon as possible. Although down days are only natural, we don’t have to let them sabotage our future. In this regard, gratitude is a powerful habit, for it can quickly transform our state of mind. Every day, we have so much for which to be grateful: our health, our family, our friendships, our work. And by aligning with our positive nature, we’re also aligning with Source, which is a good place to be!

Dare to dream.

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2017 – 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), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. Thank You” & “Note to Publishers 🙏🏻🧡

The Lions’ Den

The Lions' Den

I doubt if any of us–given the choice of entering a lions’ den of our own volition–would willingly open the gate and stride bravely toward lions pacing back and forth. Such action, we realize, would not be in our best interests. Fortunately, our instincts prevent us from making such a grave error. We know to keep the gate closed and leave those lions alone. Now…if only we were always so wise with our mind:

Think of it. We know that no good may come of it, but time after time we figuratively enter a den no less dangerous than the one mentioned above. It is a den of the mind. Even when we should know better, we often carelessly throw our happiness–even health–to the lions by dwelling on thoughts which cannot–ever–yield anything but suffering. And yet we do it. The lions I’m referring to go by many names: Remorse, Regret, Anger, Aggression, Hatred, Jealousy, Envy, Pride, Greed, Shame, Malevolence. If given the opportunity, these lions not only ravage our present-moment joy but also devour the promise of our future happiness. Such is the lurking threat of those nature of lions.

And how do we open the gate? By giving energy to thoughts which are otherwise powerless. Until we give them focus–perhaps by dwelling on a past regret; or worrying about a future outcome–such thoughts pose little or not threat. When we step into their den, however, we leave ourselves vulnerable to their corresponding effects.

Doubt that our thoughts actually create any real outcomes? If so, we might ask ourselves why corporations spend millions of dollars to advertise. Executives of such corporations realize that if they can attract our attention (and thereby place thoughts in our mind) we’ll be more likely to purchase their products and services. Think: Is not everything from food to clothing, furniture to houses, cars to vacations, so advertised to appeal to our senses? Is there not the promise–either implicit or explicit–that through such a purchase we will benefit immensely? And in politics, is not the same process applied to persuade us to vote for this or that party? If the intention is not to make us think in a certain manner…then why?

We may learn many lessons through our study of the Law of Attraction. One of the most valuable relates to focus. Great minds know the importance of consciously directing their mind. They realize that thoughts that are habitually placed in the mind will ultimately come to pass. Knowing that, they exercise great discretion in their thought processes. In short: They know how to think–deliberately!

Fortunately for us, there’s a world of positive thoughts at our disposal: Love, Joy, Kindness, Compassion, Courage, Empathy, Enthusiasm, Inspiration, Hope, Gratitude, Health, and Generosity…to name but a few. Each, when given focus–and acted upon–will yield corresponding results in our lives. Would we not be wiser to direct our attention to them the next time we’re tempted to enter the Lions’ Den?

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

Gardeners of The Mind

IMG_2025

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 of this article is related to a tour of her gardens that occurred 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 might be a person, place, object, or anything else that can be brought into our awareness through our five senses. If we’re focused upon the inner, that something might be a thought, memory, a worry, or a flight of the imagination. Our focus shifts so frequently, and 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 enslaved by it, makes a big difference in the quality of our lives.

Doubt this could be true? Imagine the following situations and consider the real life difference that focus can make: Dining at a restaurant and choosing to focus on the delightful 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, which is 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.

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 become vulnerable to the consequences related to negative thoughts. How, though, do we rid ourselves of the negative, and often repetitive, weeds that might keep popping into our mind? The method is simple and becomes easier with practice: by withdrawing our attention from them! When we do, negative thoughts wither from our experience.

We are creators or, if you will, gardeners of the mind. It’s our responsibility to properly tend the garden of our mind; no one can do it for us. At first, such may seem a daunting task; but it’s actually a 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), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. Thank You” & “Note to Publishers 🙏🏻🧡