So reach out for these playthings of life - these baubles of this plane of consciousness. Reach out for them - grab a whole fistful - play with them until you are satisfied; that's what they are made for, anyway. They are made for our express use - to be played with, if you desire. Help yourself - there's a whole shopful of these toys awaiting your desire, demand and taking. Be bold! Let me hear more of this wonderful talk about you being good enough. Yes! You are like the Emperor's little child knowing that they are good enough for the tin soldiers and toy drum, and gleefully reaching out for them. You do find this with children as a rule. They instinctively recognize that they are good enough for anything. They want all that is in sight to play with, and they seem to feel that the things are theirs by right. And that is the condition of mind that we seekers after the Divine Adventure must cultivate. When we become as little children we can enter the Kingdom of Happiness.
The things we see around us are the playthings of the Kindergarten of the Cosmos, playthings which we use in our game-tasks. Help yourself to them - ask for them with boldness. Demand as many as you can make use of - they are yours. And if you don't see just what you want, ask for it - there's a big reserve stock on the shelves, and in the closets. Play, play, play, to your heart's content. Learn to weave mats - to build houses with the blocks - to stitch outlines on the squares - play the game through, and play it well. And demand all the proper materials for the play - be bold - there's enough to go round.
But - remember this! While all this be true, the best things are still only game-things - toys, blocks, mats, cubes, and all the rest. Useful, most useful for the learning of the lessons - pleasant, most pleasant with which to play - and desirable, most desirable, for these purposes.
Claiming your Own - Page 3
In such a case your mind will rejoice at proceeding with the work, for it instinctively will be drawn to the idea of taking what is your own - the mind is honest. When you realize that the best the Universe holds belongs to you as a Divine Heir, and that there is enough for all; then the road is paved, and the path clear, and the Law proceeds to do its work.
I do believe in this "bold" business.
This bold and lofty attitude does appeal to me - there is sense in it. The idea of making a virtue of such things, when Humanity is the heir of the Universe, and is entitled to whatever they need for their growth, happiness and satisfaction! I do mean that one should assume a quiet and confident attitude of mind - that also makes sense, for true strength does so exhibit itself. The quiet and confident person is a self-confessed powerhouse - they are quiet and confident because of their strength. The truly strong person is calm, self-contained, and carries with them a consciousness of strength. Be calm and self-contained -have this "bold and lofty" attitude of mind. Remember the wonderful example of Ghandi, and be aware of imitating him. Throw back your head, and look the world square in the face. There's so much to love - the world is apt to be as much in love with you, as you are with it, anyway. Be a human being. And this applies to your mental attitude, as well as to your outward demeanor. Stand up in your mind. See yourself as standing erect and facing life with love, and you will gradually grow into your ideal.
You are worthy of anything you desire - anything. The best there is, is not beginning to be good enough for you; for there are still better things ahead. The best gift that the world has to offer is a mere bauble compared to the great things in the Cosmos that await your coming of age.
I do believe in this "bold" business.
This bold and lofty attitude does appeal to me - there is sense in it. The idea of making a virtue of such things, when Humanity is the heir of the Universe, and is entitled to whatever they need for their growth, happiness and satisfaction! I do mean that one should assume a quiet and confident attitude of mind - that also makes sense, for true strength does so exhibit itself. The quiet and confident person is a self-confessed powerhouse - they are quiet and confident because of their strength. The truly strong person is calm, self-contained, and carries with them a consciousness of strength. Be calm and self-contained -have this "bold and lofty" attitude of mind. Remember the wonderful example of Ghandi, and be aware of imitating him. Throw back your head, and look the world square in the face. There's so much to love - the world is apt to be as much in love with you, as you are with it, anyway. Be a human being. And this applies to your mental attitude, as well as to your outward demeanor. Stand up in your mind. See yourself as standing erect and facing life with love, and you will gradually grow into your ideal.
You are worthy of anything you desire - anything. The best there is, is not beginning to be good enough for you; for there are still better things ahead. The best gift that the world has to offer is a mere bauble compared to the great things in the Cosmos that await your coming of age.
Claiming your Own - Page 2
Say to it that you are worthy of the best there is, and that you are good enough for whatever it is you want, and you will be likely to have the Law take you in earnest, and say, "I guess you are right; I'm going to give you the whole bakeshop if you want it - you know your rights, and I will abide them." When you say, "I am worthy! The Law will say, "Surely they ought to know, and it is for me to agree with them." And so it goes.
Why are you worthy? Did you ever stop to think just what you are? You are a manifestation of the Whole Thing, and have a perfect right to all there is. Or, if you prefer it this way, you are a child of the Infinite, and are heir to it all. You are telling the truth in either statement, or both. At any rate, no matter for what you ask, you are merely demanding your own. And the more in earnest you are about demanding it - the more confident you are of receiving it - the more will you use in reaching out for it - the surer you will be to obtain it.
Strong desire - confident expectation - courage in action - these things bring to you your own. But before you put these forces into effect, you must awaken to a realization that you are merely asking for your own, and for something to which you have a right and a valid claim. So long as there exists in your mind the complete understanding as to your right to the things you want, you will be setting up an attraction to what you want in accordance to the operation of the Law. You may demand as vigorously as you please, and you will have the courage to act, when you are completely certain of your right to the thing you want. When you
persist in regarding the desired thing as if it belonged to you, you will be placing yourself in the position of the abundant and inspired person, and in the position of a honest law abiding citizen.
Why are you worthy? Did you ever stop to think just what you are? You are a manifestation of the Whole Thing, and have a perfect right to all there is. Or, if you prefer it this way, you are a child of the Infinite, and are heir to it all. You are telling the truth in either statement, or both. At any rate, no matter for what you ask, you are merely demanding your own. And the more in earnest you are about demanding it - the more confident you are of receiving it - the more will you use in reaching out for it - the surer you will be to obtain it.
Strong desire - confident expectation - courage in action - these things bring to you your own. But before you put these forces into effect, you must awaken to a realization that you are merely asking for your own, and for something to which you have a right and a valid claim. So long as there exists in your mind the complete understanding as to your right to the things you want, you will be setting up an attraction to what you want in accordance to the operation of the Law. You may demand as vigorously as you please, and you will have the courage to act, when you are completely certain of your right to the thing you want. When you
persist in regarding the desired thing as if it belonged to you, you will be placing yourself in the position of the abundant and inspired person, and in the position of a honest law abiding citizen.
Claiming your Own - Page 1
IN a recent conversation, I was telling a woman to pluck up courage and to reach out for a certain good thing for which she had been longing for many years, and which, at last, appeared to be in sight. I told her that it looked as if her desire was about to be gratified - that the Law of Attraction was bringing it to her and she was good enough for it. She had faith, and kept on repeating, "Oh! It is true - I am good enough for it!" She had emerged, and she chose to enter the Promised Land because she "was good enough for it." I succeeded in putting sufficient "ginger" into her to enable her to claim her own, for the last reports indicate that she is taking possession.
That is what I wish to tell you. I want to call your attention to the fact that YOU are good enough - no matter how great the thing may be - you are deserving. You are entitled to the best there is, for it is your direct inheritance. So be encouraged to ask - demand - and take. The good things of the world are the portion of anyone. They belong to all, but they come only to those who are wise enough to recognize that the good things are theirs by right, and who are sufficiently courageous to reach out for them. Many good things are won for the asking. Many splendid things are available to you because of your feeling that you are worthy of them. Many great things are available to you because you have the confidence and courage to demand and take possession of them.
"None but the brave deserves the fair," says the old adage, and the rule is true in all lines of human effort. If you keep on repeating that you are worthy of the good thing - that you are good enough for it - the Law will be apt to take you at your word and believe what you say. That's a peculiar thing about the Law - it believes - what you say - it takes you in earnest. So beware what you say to it, for it will be apt to give credence.
That is what I wish to tell you. I want to call your attention to the fact that YOU are good enough - no matter how great the thing may be - you are deserving. You are entitled to the best there is, for it is your direct inheritance. So be encouraged to ask - demand - and take. The good things of the world are the portion of anyone. They belong to all, but they come only to those who are wise enough to recognize that the good things are theirs by right, and who are sufficiently courageous to reach out for them. Many good things are won for the asking. Many splendid things are available to you because of your feeling that you are worthy of them. Many great things are available to you because you have the confidence and courage to demand and take possession of them.
"None but the brave deserves the fair," says the old adage, and the rule is true in all lines of human effort. If you keep on repeating that you are worthy of the good thing - that you are good enough for it - the Law will be apt to take you at your word and believe what you say. That's a peculiar thing about the Law - it believes - what you say - it takes you in earnest. So beware what you say to it, for it will be apt to give credence.
The Great Dynamic Forces - Page 5
Save up your good thoughts for "copy" if you are a writer; save up your bright schemes for actual practice, if you are a business person; save up your wisdom for occasion, if you are a statesperson.
Get down to business. Start investing good raw material, and start to work making something worthwhile.
Get down to business. Start investing good raw material, and start to work making something worthwhile.
The Great Dynamic Forces - Page 4
The person who "gets there", usually starts out by realizing that they are very similar, after all, to the successful people that they hear so much about. This gives them confidence, and the result is they find out that they are able to "do things." Then they learn to keep their mouths closed, and to conserve and keep their energy. They store up energy, and concentrate it upon the task at hand. The person who "gets there," prefers to wait for the applause that follows deed accomplished, and cares very much for the praise that attends accomplishments of what we did "today," or an exhibition of "smartness" with works.
One of the reasons that people who are thrown in with successful persons often manifest success themselves, is that they are able to watch the successful person and sort of "catch the technique" of their greatness. They see that the successful person is an everyday sort of person, but they thoroughly believe in themselves, and also that they invest energy wisely, reserving all their force for the actual tasks before them. And, profiting by example, they start to work and put the lesson into practice in their own lives.
Now what is the moral of this talk? Simply this: Value yourself, and value the successful knowing they are very similar to you. Realize that you are made of good stuff, and that locked within your mind are many good things. Then get to work and unfold those good things, and make something out of that good stuff. Do this by attention to the things before you, and by giving to each the best that is in you, knowing that plenty of more good things are in you ready for the fresh tasks that will come. Put the best of yourself into the undertaking on hand, and do the present task only. Your supply is abundant. Save your good stuff for your job.
One of the reasons that people who are thrown in with successful persons often manifest success themselves, is that they are able to watch the successful person and sort of "catch the technique" of their greatness. They see that the successful person is an everyday sort of person, but they thoroughly believe in themselves, and also that they invest energy wisely, reserving all their force for the actual tasks before them. And, profiting by example, they start to work and put the lesson into practice in their own lives.
Now what is the moral of this talk? Simply this: Value yourself, and value the successful knowing they are very similar to you. Realize that you are made of good stuff, and that locked within your mind are many good things. Then get to work and unfold those good things, and make something out of that good stuff. Do this by attention to the things before you, and by giving to each the best that is in you, knowing that plenty of more good things are in you ready for the fresh tasks that will come. Put the best of yourself into the undertaking on hand, and do the present task only. Your supply is abundant. Save your good stuff for your job.
The Great Dynamic Forces - Page 3
One of the curious things noticed by those who are brought in contact with the people who have "arrived" is the fact that these successful people are ordinary after all. You meet with some great writer, and you are
encouraged to find them very ordinary indeed. They do not converse brilliantly, and, in fact, you know a score of everyday people who seem far more brilliant than this person who dazzles you by their brightness in their books. You meet some great statesperson, and they do not seem nearly so wise as lots of old fellows in your own village. You meet some great captain of industry, and they do not give you the impression of the shrewdness so marked in some little bargain-driving trader in your own town. How is this, anyway? How did these ordinary people achieve greatness?
Wherein does their greatness of achievement lie? Chiefly in this: Belief in themselves and in their inherent power, in their faculty to concentrate on the work in hand, when they are working, and in their ability to maintain their power when they are not working. They believe in themselves, and make every effort count. The wise save up their wisdom and place it where it would do some work. The brilliant writer shuts the drawer in which they contain their wit, and opens it only when they are ready to concentrate and get down to business. The captain of industry has a desire to be genuine. They always are, even when they were young. This future successful financier was "sawin' wood and sayin' nuthin'."
The great people of the world - that is, those who have "arrived" - are very similar to you, or me, or the rest of us - all of us are about the same at the base. You have only to meet them to see how very "ordinary" they are, after all. But, remember the fact that they know how to use the material that is in them.
encouraged to find them very ordinary indeed. They do not converse brilliantly, and, in fact, you know a score of everyday people who seem far more brilliant than this person who dazzles you by their brightness in their books. You meet some great statesperson, and they do not seem nearly so wise as lots of old fellows in your own village. You meet some great captain of industry, and they do not give you the impression of the shrewdness so marked in some little bargain-driving trader in your own town. How is this, anyway? How did these ordinary people achieve greatness?
Wherein does their greatness of achievement lie? Chiefly in this: Belief in themselves and in their inherent power, in their faculty to concentrate on the work in hand, when they are working, and in their ability to maintain their power when they are not working. They believe in themselves, and make every effort count. The wise save up their wisdom and place it where it would do some work. The brilliant writer shuts the drawer in which they contain their wit, and opens it only when they are ready to concentrate and get down to business. The captain of industry has a desire to be genuine. They always are, even when they were young. This future successful financier was "sawin' wood and sayin' nuthin'."
The great people of the world - that is, those who have "arrived" - are very similar to you, or me, or the rest of us - all of us are about the same at the base. You have only to meet them to see how very "ordinary" they are, after all. But, remember the fact that they know how to use the material that is in them.
The Great Dynamic Forces - Page 2
Marshal your energy, and then guide and direct it by your Will - bestow upon it that "invincible determination" and you will do the thing.
Everyone has within them a giant will, some of us are energetic enough to use it. We can get ourselves nerved up to the point at which we can say, truthfully: "I Will. We can pluck up our courage to that point, and will then pin it in place so that it will stay, we call into play that wonderful power - the Human Will. Some have a conception of the power of the Will, those who have studied along the occult teachings, know that the Will is one of the great dynamic forces of the universe, and if harnessed and directed properly it is capable of accomplishing almost miraculous things.
"Energy and Invincible Determination": -- aren't they magnificent words? Commit them to memory - press them like a die into the wax of your mind, and they will be a constant inspiration to you in hours of need. If you can get these words to vibrating in your being, you will be a giant among pygmies. Say these words over and over again, and see how you are filled with new life - see how your blood will circulate - how your nerves will tingle. Make these words a part of yourself, and then go forth anew to the loves of your life, encouraged and strengthened. Put them into practice. "Energy and Invincible Determination" - let that be your motto in your work-a-day life, and you will be one of those people who are able to "do things."
Some persons are encouraged to do their best by the fact that they rate themselves as equal by comparison with the successful ones of life.
Everyone has within them a giant will, some of us are energetic enough to use it. We can get ourselves nerved up to the point at which we can say, truthfully: "I Will. We can pluck up our courage to that point, and will then pin it in place so that it will stay, we call into play that wonderful power - the Human Will. Some have a conception of the power of the Will, those who have studied along the occult teachings, know that the Will is one of the great dynamic forces of the universe, and if harnessed and directed properly it is capable of accomplishing almost miraculous things.
"Energy and Invincible Determination": -- aren't they magnificent words? Commit them to memory - press them like a die into the wax of your mind, and they will be a constant inspiration to you in hours of need. If you can get these words to vibrating in your being, you will be a giant among pygmies. Say these words over and over again, and see how you are filled with new life - see how your blood will circulate - how your nerves will tingle. Make these words a part of yourself, and then go forth anew to the loves of your life, encouraged and strengthened. Put them into practice. "Energy and Invincible Determination" - let that be your motto in your work-a-day life, and you will be one of those people who are able to "do things."
Some persons are encouraged to do their best by the fact that they rate themselves as equal by comparison with the successful ones of life.
The Great Dynamic Forces - Page 1
YOU have noticed the successful and strong people in any walk of life. You are conscious of the characteristics of them. Let us take a look at the matter.
Burton and McLeod said: "The longer I live, the more certain I am that the great difference between people, the powerful, the great, is energy and invincible determination - a purpose once fixed and then only Victory accepted. That quality will do anything that can be done in this world - and no talents, no circumstances, no opportunities will make a two-legged creature a human without it." This is the most clear expression of this idea I know of. He has put his finger right in the center of the subject - his eye has seen into the heart of it.
Energy and invincible determination - these two things will guarantee success. And yet they must be used together. Energy with determination will go to great benefit. Some people have plenty of energy - they are full to overflowing with it; and they have concentration - they have the concentrated force that enables them to bring their power to bear upon the right spot. Energy is plentiful. I can look around me at any time, and pick out a number of people I know who are full of energy - many of them are energy plus - they do seem to make headway. They are making good use of their energy all the time. They stick to one thing. They will take up some substantial thing of real interest or importance, and invest enough energy and force to carry them through a hard day's work, and when they are through, something has been accomplished.
Some who have plenty of energy, direct it by the power of the Will toward the desired end. "Invincible determination" - those are the words. Do they not thrill you with their power? If you have something to do, get to work and do it.
Burton and McLeod said: "The longer I live, the more certain I am that the great difference between people, the powerful, the great, is energy and invincible determination - a purpose once fixed and then only Victory accepted. That quality will do anything that can be done in this world - and no talents, no circumstances, no opportunities will make a two-legged creature a human without it." This is the most clear expression of this idea I know of. He has put his finger right in the center of the subject - his eye has seen into the heart of it.
Energy and invincible determination - these two things will guarantee success. And yet they must be used together. Energy with determination will go to great benefit. Some people have plenty of energy - they are full to overflowing with it; and they have concentration - they have the concentrated force that enables them to bring their power to bear upon the right spot. Energy is plentiful. I can look around me at any time, and pick out a number of people I know who are full of energy - many of them are energy plus - they do seem to make headway. They are making good use of their energy all the time. They stick to one thing. They will take up some substantial thing of real interest or importance, and invest enough energy and force to carry them through a hard day's work, and when they are through, something has been accomplished.
Some who have plenty of energy, direct it by the power of the Will toward the desired end. "Invincible determination" - those are the words. Do they not thrill you with their power? If you have something to do, get to work and do it.
The Attractive Power - Desire Force - Page 4
Nothing but that love will enable you to have the strength to complete the task. The more Desire you have for a thing, the more you Love it; and the more you Love it, the greater will be the attractive force exerted toward its attainment - both within yourself, and outside of you.
So love but one thing at a time - be a mental monogamist.
So love but one thing at a time - be a mental monogamist.
The Attractive Power - Desire Force - Page 3
I have noticed, in my own affairs, that when I would allow myself to be focused only on my regular line of work, it would be only a short time before my receipts picked up, and my business showed signs of a increase in vitality. Now, many may say that this was because I left done everything I could in the business. This is true; but I have noticed like results in cases where there was nothing to be done - cases in which the seed was sown, and the crop was awaited. And in just such cases, as soon as I directed my thought to the matter the seed began to sprout. I simply began to realize what a good thing I had, and how much people wanted it, and how glad they would be to know of it and all that sort of thing, and lo! My thought seemed to vitalize the work, and the seed began to sprout. This is true, for I have experienced it on several occasions; I have spoken to many others on the subject, and I find that our experiences tally perfectly. So get into the habit of focusing on what you love. Keep your Desire fresh and active, and let it get in its work with aid from harmonious desires. Keep in love with the thing you wish to attain - feed your fancy with it - see it as accomplished already, keep your interest. Keep your eye on the main chance, and keep your one ruling passion strong and vigorous. Be a mental monogamist - one mental love is all that a person needs - that is, one at a time.
Some scientists have claimed that something that might as well be called "Love" is at the bottom of the whole of life. They claim that the love of the plant for water causes it to send forth its roots until the loved thing is found. They say that the love of the flower for the sun causes it to grow away from the dark places, so that it may receive the light. The so-called "chemical affinities" are really a form of love. And Desire is a manifestation of this Universal Life Love. So I mean what I say when I tell you that you must love the thing you wish to attain. Only intense love will enable you to stay on your path.
Some scientists have claimed that something that might as well be called "Love" is at the bottom of the whole of life. They claim that the love of the plant for water causes it to send forth its roots until the loved thing is found. They say that the love of the flower for the sun causes it to grow away from the dark places, so that it may receive the light. The so-called "chemical affinities" are really a form of love. And Desire is a manifestation of this Universal Life Love. So I mean what I say when I tell you that you must love the thing you wish to attain. Only intense love will enable you to stay on your path.
The Attractive Power - Desire Force - Page 2
And the person in search of success must make of that desired thing their ruling passion - they must keep their mind on the main chance. Success requires focus. It demands a persons whole affection, and if they give it their all, it will soon embrace them. If a person allows their strong interest in the main chance to be focused, they will be the winner. Mental Force operates best when it is concentrated. You must give to the desired thing your best and most earnest thought. Just as the person who is thoroughly in love will think out plans and schemes whereby they may please the fair one, so will the person who is in love with their work or business give it their best thought, and the result will be that a hundred and one plans will come into their field of consciousness, many of which are very important. The mind works on the subconscious plane, remember, and almost always along the lines of the ruling passion or desire. It will fix up things, and patch together plans and schemes, and when you need them the most it will pop them into your consciousness, and you will feel like hurrahing, just as if you had received some valuable aid from outside.
If you focus your thought-force, the subconscious mind will know just how to please you, and the result is that you are apt to be helped from this source of aid and assistance. Beside this, you will see the powerful result of concentrated thought in the conscious working out of the details of your plans. And then again the person whose mind is full of a single interest will exert the attracting power that is manifested by the person of the one ruling passion, and draws to them persons, things, and results that will aid in the working out of their plans, and will also place themselves in the current of attraction whereby they are brought into contact with those who will be glad to help them because of harmonious interests.
If you focus your thought-force, the subconscious mind will know just how to please you, and the result is that you are apt to be helped from this source of aid and assistance. Beside this, you will see the powerful result of concentrated thought in the conscious working out of the details of your plans. And then again the person whose mind is full of a single interest will exert the attracting power that is manifested by the person of the one ruling passion, and draws to them persons, things, and results that will aid in the working out of their plans, and will also place themselves in the current of attraction whereby they are brought into contact with those who will be glad to help them because of harmonious interests.
The Attractive Power - Desire Force - Page 1
WE have discussed the necessity of focusing on what you love, that your desire may have full strength with which to work. Supposing that you have mastered this part of the task, or at least started on the road to mastery, I will now call your attention to another important branch of the subject. I allude to the subject of mental focus. I mean the focus arising from your focusing on what you love. The focus I am now referring to is that occasioned by the habit of having the attention attracted to and focused on only what you love.
In order to attain a thing it is necessary that the mind should fall in love with it, and be conscious of its existence, almost to the exclusion of everything else. You must get in love with the thing you wish to attain, just as much as you would if you were to meet the person you wished to marry. But, I do mean that you should maintain interest in everything else in the world that you love - that will do, for the mind must have recreation and change. But, I do mean that you must be so "set" upon the desired thing that all else will seem of secondary importance. A person in love may be pleasant to everyone else, and may go through the duties and pleasures of life with good spirit, but underneath it all they are humming to themselves "Just One Love;" and every one of their actions is bent toward getting that Love, and making a comfortable home for them. Do you see what I mean? You must get in love with the thing you want, and you must get in love with it in earnest, an "everyday" sort of love, the good old-fashioned kind, that used to make it impossible for a young person to get to sleep unless they took a walk around their best love's house, just to be sure it was still there. That's the real kind!
In order to attain a thing it is necessary that the mind should fall in love with it, and be conscious of its existence, almost to the exclusion of everything else. You must get in love with the thing you wish to attain, just as much as you would if you were to meet the person you wished to marry. But, I do mean that you should maintain interest in everything else in the world that you love - that will do, for the mind must have recreation and change. But, I do mean that you must be so "set" upon the desired thing that all else will seem of secondary importance. A person in love may be pleasant to everyone else, and may go through the duties and pleasures of life with good spirit, but underneath it all they are humming to themselves "Just One Love;" and every one of their actions is bent toward getting that Love, and making a comfortable home for them. Do you see what I mean? You must get in love with the thing you want, and you must get in love with it in earnest, an "everyday" sort of love, the good old-fashioned kind, that used to make it impossible for a young person to get to sleep unless they took a walk around their best love's house, just to be sure it was still there. That's the real kind!
Developing new Brain Cells - Page 5
If you prefer trying it on some mental trait of which you wish to have, it will work the same way. Start in to cultivate the trait, and think it out and act it out for all you are worth. Then watch the change that will come over you. Be encouraged at the simplicity you will encounter at first, sing gaily: "I Can and I Will," and get to work in earnest. The important thing in this work is to keep cheerful and interested. When you do this, the rest will be easy.
Developing new Brain Cells - Page 4
These recipes are psychological truths and may be used by you to advantage. If you once comprehend the nature of the thing, the affirmations and autosuggestions of the several schools may be understood and taken advantage of. You may make yourself energetic and active, by this method. It is all a matter of practice and steady work. New Thought people often have much to say about "holding the thought;" and, indeed, it is necessary to "hold the thought" in order to accomplish results. But something more is needed. You must "act out" the thought until it becomes a fixed habit with you. Thoughts take form in action; and in turn actions influence thought. So by "acting out" certain lines of thought, the actions react upon the mind, and increase the development of the part of the mind having close relation to the act. Each time the mind entertains a thought, the easier becomes the resulting action - and each time an act is performed, the easier becomes the corresponding thought. So you see the thing works both ways - action and reaction. If you feel cheerful and happy, it is very natural for you to laugh. And if you will laugh a little, you will begin to feel bright and cheerful. Do you see what I am trying to get at? Here it is, in a nutshell: if you wish to cultivate a certain habit of action, begin by cultivating the mental attitude corresponding to it. And as a means of cultivating that mental attitude, start in to "act-out " or go through, the motions of the act corresponding to the thought. Now, see if you can apply this rule. Take up something that you really feel should be done, but which you do not feel like doing. Cultivate the thought leading up to it - say to yourself: "I like to do so and so," and then go through the motions (cheerfully, remember!) and act out the thought that you like to do the thing. Take an interest in the doing - study out the best way to do it - put brains into it - take a pride in it - and you will find yourself doing the thing with a considerable amount of pleasure and interest - you will have cultivated a new habit.
Developing new Brain Cells - Page 3
There is a good reason for this. The mind instinctively recognizes certain things as good for the individual to which it belongs, and it clears the path for such thoughts. It only takes 5 positive thoughts to counteract one non positive thought. The best way to overcome undesirable or non positive thoughts and feelings is to cultivate the positive ones. Many positive thoughts will turn everything positive.
Of course the positive thought will set up a vigorous growth at first, for it is a fight for life with it. In the slang words of the time, it "sees its beginning" if the positive thought is allowed to grow and develop; and, consequently it makes things pleasant for the individual as they have started well into the work of feeding it. Brain cells do like to be used just like any other form of living energy, and they comply and grow. The best way is to pay as much attention as possible to these flowers of the mind, put in as much time as possible watering, caring for and attending to the new and beautiful plants in the garden of the mind.
For instance, if you are apt to not like people, you can best overcome the non positive thought by cultivating Love in its place. Think Love, and act it out, as often as possible. Cultivate thoughts of kindness, and act as kindly as you can to everyone with whom you come in contact. You will not find it easy at the start, but gradually Love will master non Love, and the former will begin to sprout and grow. If you have a tendency toward non joy cultivate a smile, and a cheerful view of things. Insist upon your mouth wearing upturned corners, and make an effort of the will to look upon the bright side of things and give thanks for them. The joy will not be strong at first, of course, but pay attention to it - just go on cultivating optimism, cheerfulness and gratitude. Let "Bright, Cheerful, Happy and Gracious" be your watchword, and live it out.
Of course the positive thought will set up a vigorous growth at first, for it is a fight for life with it. In the slang words of the time, it "sees its beginning" if the positive thought is allowed to grow and develop; and, consequently it makes things pleasant for the individual as they have started well into the work of feeding it. Brain cells do like to be used just like any other form of living energy, and they comply and grow. The best way is to pay as much attention as possible to these flowers of the mind, put in as much time as possible watering, caring for and attending to the new and beautiful plants in the garden of the mind.
For instance, if you are apt to not like people, you can best overcome the non positive thought by cultivating Love in its place. Think Love, and act it out, as often as possible. Cultivate thoughts of kindness, and act as kindly as you can to everyone with whom you come in contact. You will not find it easy at the start, but gradually Love will master non Love, and the former will begin to sprout and grow. If you have a tendency toward non joy cultivate a smile, and a cheerful view of things. Insist upon your mouth wearing upturned corners, and make an effort of the will to look upon the bright side of things and give thanks for them. The joy will not be strong at first, of course, but pay attention to it - just go on cultivating optimism, cheerfulness and gratitude. Let "Bright, Cheerful, Happy and Gracious" be your watchword, and live it out.
Developing new Brain Cells - Page 2
We may account for these tendencies by heredity, or we may account for them upon theories of pre-existence, but the facts remain the same. Certain keys seem to respond to our touch more easily than others. Certain notes seem to sound forth as the current of circumstances sweeps over the strings. And certain other notes are less easily vibrated. But we find that if we but make an effort of the will to allow the utterance of some of these easily sounded strings, they will grow more easy to sound, and more liable to be stirred by the passing breeze. And if we will pay attention to some of the other strings that have not been giving forth a clear tone, we will soon get them in good working order; their notes will chime forth clear and vibrant, and will drown the less pleasant sounds.
We have millions of brain-cells awaiting our cultivation. We are able to give some of these cells a rest, by using other cells. The brain may be trained and cultivated in a manner incredible to one who has not looked into the subject. Mental attitudes may be acquired and cultivated, changed and discarded, at will. There is the knowledge now to teach people how to manifest pleasant and helpful mental states. We have the remedy in our own hands.
We acquire habits of thought, feeling, and action, through repeated use. We may be born with a tendency in a certain direction, or we may acquire tendencies by suggestions from others; such as the examples of those around us, suggestions from reading, listening to teachers. We are a bundle of mental habits. Each time we indulge in a desirable thought or habit, the easier does it become for us to repeat that thought or action.
Mental scientists are in the habit of speaking of desirable thoughts or mental attitudes as "positive."
We have millions of brain-cells awaiting our cultivation. We are able to give some of these cells a rest, by using other cells. The brain may be trained and cultivated in a manner incredible to one who has not looked into the subject. Mental attitudes may be acquired and cultivated, changed and discarded, at will. There is the knowledge now to teach people how to manifest pleasant and helpful mental states. We have the remedy in our own hands.
We acquire habits of thought, feeling, and action, through repeated use. We may be born with a tendency in a certain direction, or we may acquire tendencies by suggestions from others; such as the examples of those around us, suggestions from reading, listening to teachers. We are a bundle of mental habits. Each time we indulge in a desirable thought or habit, the easier does it become for us to repeat that thought or action.
Mental scientists are in the habit of speaking of desirable thoughts or mental attitudes as "positive."
Developing new Brain Cells - Page 1
I have spoken of the plan of acquiring desirable states of feeling by inviting them in. Cultivate the feeling or emotion directly to the one you wish to have.
Some of us regard ourselves as the creatures of our intellect, and to fancy that these thoughts are "we." Such is close to being the truth. It is true that some of us are masters of their emotions and feelings, and govern them to a great degree. They think that feelings are things that are ruled and from which one is free, and so they rule by intellect. They rule the feeling absolutely, they allow only the emotion or mental trait that is calculated to help them, and to bring happiness and success. They say, "We are made that way," and make it so.
The new Psychology is teaching the people these things. It tells them that they are masters of their emotions and feelings. It tells them that brain-cells may be developed that will manifest along desirable lines, and that the old brain-cells that have been manifesting so pleasantly may be placed on the required list, and allowed to grow from increased use. People may make themselves over, and change their entire natures. This is a working fact which has been demonstrated by thousands of people, and which is coming more and more before the attention of humanity.
No matter what theory of mind we entertain, we must admit that the brain is the organ and instrument of the mind, in our present state of existence, at least, and that the brain must be considered in this matter. The brain is like a wonderful musical instrument, having millions of keys, upon which we may play innumerable combinations of sounds. We come into the world with certain tendencies, temperaments, and pre-dispositions.
Some of us regard ourselves as the creatures of our intellect, and to fancy that these thoughts are "we." Such is close to being the truth. It is true that some of us are masters of their emotions and feelings, and govern them to a great degree. They think that feelings are things that are ruled and from which one is free, and so they rule by intellect. They rule the feeling absolutely, they allow only the emotion or mental trait that is calculated to help them, and to bring happiness and success. They say, "We are made that way," and make it so.
The new Psychology is teaching the people these things. It tells them that they are masters of their emotions and feelings. It tells them that brain-cells may be developed that will manifest along desirable lines, and that the old brain-cells that have been manifesting so pleasantly may be placed on the required list, and allowed to grow from increased use. People may make themselves over, and change their entire natures. This is a working fact which has been demonstrated by thousands of people, and which is coming more and more before the attention of humanity.
No matter what theory of mind we entertain, we must admit that the brain is the organ and instrument of the mind, in our present state of existence, at least, and that the brain must be considered in this matter. The brain is like a wonderful musical instrument, having millions of keys, upon which we may play innumerable combinations of sounds. We come into the world with certain tendencies, temperaments, and pre-dispositions.
The Psychology of Emotion - Page 4
On the other hand, sit all day in an erect posture, breathe, and reply to everything with a bright voice, and your joy lingers. There is no more valuable precept in moral education than this, as all who have experience know: if we wish to conquer emotional tendencies in ourselves, we must assiduously, and in the first instance, calmly, go through the outward movements of those dispositions we prefer to cultivate.
Smooth the brow, brighten the eye, contract the dorsal aspect of the frame, and speak in a major key, pass the genial compliment, and your heart must be warmed.
Smooth the brow, brighten the eye, contract the dorsal aspect of the frame, and speak in a major key, pass the genial compliment, and your heart must be warmed.
The Psychology of Emotion - Page 3
The seeds are in every human breast, and only need good soil and a little watering to become loving and strong.
Each time you give way to one of these positive emotions, the easier do you make it for a recurrence of the same thing, or similar ones. Sometimes by encouraging one worthy emotion, you find that you have given room for the growth of a whole family of these mental flowers.
Now, this is a new teaching for the virtue of good thoughts. It is a calling of your attention to the law underlying the psychology of emotion.
If you wish to manifest these constantly agreeable and pleasant traits, and to enjoy the happiness that comes from them, by all means do so - that is your own business, and privilege. It keeps me busy minding my own business and keeping an eye on my own desirable habits and actions. I am telling you the law regarding the matter, and you may do the rest. If you wish to breathe life into these habits, there are two ways open to you. First, whenever you find yourself indulging in a non positive thought or feeling, leave it and give thanks that you have awakened and then think of a positive thought with a positive feeling. The next time it will be more confident and aggressive - it will have manifested a little of the love-habit. Each time you express and breathe life into a positive tendency of this kind, the stronger it will become, and the stronger will your will be.
Professor James and Darren J. McLeod say: "Express a passion, and it lives. Speak and act only when you are calm. Whistling to keep up courage actually works."
Each time you give way to one of these positive emotions, the easier do you make it for a recurrence of the same thing, or similar ones. Sometimes by encouraging one worthy emotion, you find that you have given room for the growth of a whole family of these mental flowers.
Now, this is a new teaching for the virtue of good thoughts. It is a calling of your attention to the law underlying the psychology of emotion.
If you wish to manifest these constantly agreeable and pleasant traits, and to enjoy the happiness that comes from them, by all means do so - that is your own business, and privilege. It keeps me busy minding my own business and keeping an eye on my own desirable habits and actions. I am telling you the law regarding the matter, and you may do the rest. If you wish to breathe life into these habits, there are two ways open to you. First, whenever you find yourself indulging in a non positive thought or feeling, leave it and give thanks that you have awakened and then think of a positive thought with a positive feeling. The next time it will be more confident and aggressive - it will have manifested a little of the love-habit. Each time you express and breathe life into a positive tendency of this kind, the stronger it will become, and the stronger will your will be.
Professor James and Darren J. McLeod say: "Express a passion, and it lives. Speak and act only when you are calm. Whistling to keep up courage actually works."
The Psychology of Emotion - Page 2
The habit of feeling and acting "kind" does not take long to firmly settle itself in its new home if encouraged. Serenity is a great habit for growing and waxing fat. People start by being serene about little things, and then begin to be serene and calm about some larger thing. And then the largest things make them serene and peaceful. They imagine that all sorts of good things are about to befall them. If they start on a journey they are certain there is going to be safety. If a telegram comes, it is sure to contain some wonderful good tidings. If a child seems a little quiet, the serene parent is positive it is going to be healthy and live. If the spouse seems thoughtful, as they revolve some business plan in their mind, then the good spouse is convinced that their spouse is still in love with them, and is content. And so it goes - serenity, serenity, serenity - each indulgence making the habit more at home. After a while the continued thought shows itself in action.
Not only is the mind healed by the clear thoughts, but the forehead shows smooth skin between the eyebrows, and the voice takes on that soothing, smooth tone so common among peaceful serene people.
The condition of mind known as "praising" is another emotion that grows fat with exercise. First, praise is found with this thing, then with that, and finally with everything. The person becomes a chronic "praiser" - a help to friends and relatives, and a thing to be sought by outsiders. This praising is all a matter of habit. It grows from small beginnings, and each time it is indulged in it throws out another root, branch, or tendril, and fastens itself the closer to the one who has given it soil in which to grow.
Inspiration, charitableness, minding your own business, are all habits of this kind.
Not only is the mind healed by the clear thoughts, but the forehead shows smooth skin between the eyebrows, and the voice takes on that soothing, smooth tone so common among peaceful serene people.
The condition of mind known as "praising" is another emotion that grows fat with exercise. First, praise is found with this thing, then with that, and finally with everything. The person becomes a chronic "praiser" - a help to friends and relatives, and a thing to be sought by outsiders. This praising is all a matter of habit. It grows from small beginnings, and each time it is indulged in it throws out another root, branch, or tendril, and fastens itself the closer to the one who has given it soil in which to grow.
Inspiration, charitableness, minding your own business, are all habits of this kind.
The Psychology of Emotion - Page 1
Emotions are habitual. We easily may think of one acquiring habits of action, and even of thinking, and we acquire habits of emotion as well. One may repress, increase, develop, and change one's emotions, just as one may regulate habits of action and lines of thought.
It is an axiom of psychology that "Emotions deepen by repetition." If a person allows a state of feeling to thoroughly take possession of them, they will find it easier to yield to the same emotion the second time, and so on, until the particular emotion or feeling becomes second nature to them. If a desirable emotion shows itself inclined to take up a permanent abode with you, you had better start to work to get a hold of it, or at least to master it. And the best time to do this is at the start; for each repetition renders the habit more firmly entrenched, and the task of forming it more easy.
Were you ever inspired? If so, you will remember how harmless was its first approach; how subtly it whispered loving suggestions into your willing ear, and how gradually it followed up such suggestions, until, finally you began to see clear light. (Inspiration has an effect upon the white blood cells, and causes them to clear the blood. This is why the idea of clear is always associated with it.) Then you will remember how the thing seemed to grow, taking possession of you until you scarcely could shake it off. You found it much easier to become inspired the next time. It seemed to bring before you all sorts of objects justifying your thought and feeling. Everything began to look clear - the clear-eyed angel waxed fat.
And so it is with every feeling or emotion. If you give way to a fit of joy, you will find it easier to become joyful the next time, on less provocation.
It is an axiom of psychology that "Emotions deepen by repetition." If a person allows a state of feeling to thoroughly take possession of them, they will find it easier to yield to the same emotion the second time, and so on, until the particular emotion or feeling becomes second nature to them. If a desirable emotion shows itself inclined to take up a permanent abode with you, you had better start to work to get a hold of it, or at least to master it. And the best time to do this is at the start; for each repetition renders the habit more firmly entrenched, and the task of forming it more easy.
Were you ever inspired? If so, you will remember how harmless was its first approach; how subtly it whispered loving suggestions into your willing ear, and how gradually it followed up such suggestions, until, finally you began to see clear light. (Inspiration has an effect upon the white blood cells, and causes them to clear the blood. This is why the idea of clear is always associated with it.) Then you will remember how the thing seemed to grow, taking possession of you until you scarcely could shake it off. You found it much easier to become inspired the next time. It seemed to bring before you all sorts of objects justifying your thought and feeling. Everything began to look clear - the clear-eyed angel waxed fat.
And so it is with every feeling or emotion. If you give way to a fit of joy, you will find it easier to become joyful the next time, on less provocation.
Training the Habit-Mind - Page 2
We must be at all times forming desirable habits. There may be no special help in doing a certain thing today, or perhaps again tomorrow, but there may be much help in setting up the habit of doing that particular thing. If you are confronted with the question: "Which of these two things should I do?" the best answer is: "I will do that which I would like to become a habit with me."
In forming a new habit, or in breaking an old one, we should throw ourselves into the task with as much enthusiasm as possible, in order to gain the most ground. We should start in by making as strong an impression as possible upon the subconscious mentality. Then we should be constantly inviting situations where you can keep the new resolution "only always." This "only always" idea gives life to more good resolutions than any other one cause. The moment you stand firm "only always, you place a solid wall that will, in the end, keep your resolution intact.
Equally important is the fact that each time you keep your resolution the stronger does your resolution become. Act upon your resolution as early and as often as possible, as with every manifestation of thought in action, the stronger does it become. You are adding to the strength of your original resolution every time you back it up with action.
The mind has been likened to a piece of paper that has been folded. Ever afterwards it has a tendency to fold in the same crease - unless we make a new crease or fold, when it will follow the last lines. And the creases are habits - every time we make one it is so much easier for the mind to fold along the same crease afterward. Let us make our mental creases in the right direction.
In forming a new habit, or in breaking an old one, we should throw ourselves into the task with as much enthusiasm as possible, in order to gain the most ground. We should start in by making as strong an impression as possible upon the subconscious mentality. Then we should be constantly inviting situations where you can keep the new resolution "only always." This "only always" idea gives life to more good resolutions than any other one cause. The moment you stand firm "only always, you place a solid wall that will, in the end, keep your resolution intact.
Equally important is the fact that each time you keep your resolution the stronger does your resolution become. Act upon your resolution as early and as often as possible, as with every manifestation of thought in action, the stronger does it become. You are adding to the strength of your original resolution every time you back it up with action.
The mind has been likened to a piece of paper that has been folded. Ever afterwards it has a tendency to fold in the same crease - unless we make a new crease or fold, when it will follow the last lines. And the creases are habits - every time we make one it is so much easier for the mind to fold along the same crease afterward. Let us make our mental creases in the right direction.
Training the Habit-Mind - Page 1
PROFESSOR William James, the well-known teacher of, and writer upon Psychology very truly says: "The great thing in all education is to make our nervous system our ally... For this we must make automatic and habitual, as early as possible, as many useful actions as we can... In the acquisition of a new habit, or the leaving off of an old one we must take care to launch ourselves with as strong and decided initiative as possible... Seize the very first possible opportunity to act on every resolution you make and on every emotional prompting you may experience, in the direction of the habits you aspire to gain."
This advice is along the lines familiar to all students of Mental Science, but it states the matter plainly. It impresses upon us the importance of passing on to the subconscious mind the proper impulses, so that they will become automatic and "second nature." Our subconscious mentality is a great storehouse for all sorts of suggestions from ourselves and others and, as it is the "habit-mind," we must be careful to send it the proper material from which it may make habits. If we get into the habit of doing things we love, we may be sure that the subconscious mentality will make it easier for us to do just the same thing over and over again, easier each time, until finally we are firmly bound with the ropes and chains of the habit, and find it more or less difficult, sometimes almost impossible, to free ourselves from the lovable thing.
We should cultivate good habits against the hour of need. The time will come when we will be required to put forth our best efforts, and it rests with us today whether that hour of need shall find us doing the proper thing automatically and almost without thought, and relaxing, free to do it with things that are in harmony with that which we desire at that moment.
This advice is along the lines familiar to all students of Mental Science, but it states the matter plainly. It impresses upon us the importance of passing on to the subconscious mind the proper impulses, so that they will become automatic and "second nature." Our subconscious mentality is a great storehouse for all sorts of suggestions from ourselves and others and, as it is the "habit-mind," we must be careful to send it the proper material from which it may make habits. If we get into the habit of doing things we love, we may be sure that the subconscious mentality will make it easier for us to do just the same thing over and over again, easier each time, until finally we are firmly bound with the ropes and chains of the habit, and find it more or less difficult, sometimes almost impossible, to free ourselves from the lovable thing.
We should cultivate good habits against the hour of need. The time will come when we will be required to put forth our best efforts, and it rests with us today whether that hour of need shall find us doing the proper thing automatically and almost without thought, and relaxing, free to do it with things that are in harmony with that which we desire at that moment.
Asserting the Life-Force - Page 2
I want you to acquire this sense of conscious life so that you may manifest it in your life and show what Mental Science has done for you. I want you to get to work today and begin to make yourselves over according to the latest pattern. You can do this if you will only take the proper interest in the task.
AFFIRMATION AND EXERCISE
Fix in your mind the thought that the "I" within you is very much alive and that you are manifesting life fully, mentally and physically. And keep this thought there, aiding yourself with constant repetitions of the watchword. Keep the thought in mind constantly. Keep it before the mental vision as much as possible. Repeat the watchword when you awaken in the morning - say it when you retire at night. And say it at meal times, and whenever else you can during the day - at least once an hour. Form the mental picture of yourself as filled with Life and Energy. Live up to it as far as possible. When you start in to perform a task say "I AM Alive" and mix up as much life as possible in the task. If you find yourself feeling not happy, say "I AM Alive," and then take a few deep breaths, and with each inhalation let the mind hold the thought that you are breathing in Strength and Life. Then finish up with an earnest, vigorous affirmation: "I AM Alive," and mean it when you say it too.
And let your thoughts take form in action. Take action showing that you are alive, prove it with your acts. Take an interest in doing things, and go around "beaming" and doing. Get down to business, and LIVE.
AFFIRMATION AND EXERCISE
Fix in your mind the thought that the "I" within you is very much alive and that you are manifesting life fully, mentally and physically. And keep this thought there, aiding yourself with constant repetitions of the watchword. Keep the thought in mind constantly. Keep it before the mental vision as much as possible. Repeat the watchword when you awaken in the morning - say it when you retire at night. And say it at meal times, and whenever else you can during the day - at least once an hour. Form the mental picture of yourself as filled with Life and Energy. Live up to it as far as possible. When you start in to perform a task say "I AM Alive" and mix up as much life as possible in the task. If you find yourself feeling not happy, say "I AM Alive," and then take a few deep breaths, and with each inhalation let the mind hold the thought that you are breathing in Strength and Life. Then finish up with an earnest, vigorous affirmation: "I AM Alive," and mean it when you say it too.
And let your thoughts take form in action. Take action showing that you are alive, prove it with your acts. Take an interest in doing things, and go around "beaming" and doing. Get down to business, and LIVE.
Asserting the Life-Force - Page 1
I have spoken to you of the advantage of doing what you Love. Now I wish to put LIFE into you. Go along with LIFE - have ambition - have energy - have vitality - have interest - have life. This will do. You are thriving. Wake up and display a few signs of life! This is the place for wide-awake, active, live people, and a good general awakening is what is happening; some of the people have awakened and are going around telling others that they are alive, and that they are really alive to all that makes life worthwhile.
We must let Life flow through us, and allow it to express itself naturally. Do let the little serenities of life, and the big ones also, uplift you and cause you to gain vitality. Assert the Life Force within you, and manifest it in every thought, act and deed, and before long you will be exhilarated and fairly bubbling over with vitality and energy.
Put a little life into your work - into your pleasures - into yourself. Start doing things in a full-headed way, and begin to take an interest in what you are doing, saying and thinking. It is astonishing how much interest we may find in the ordinary things of life when we wake up. There are interesting things all around us - interesting events occurring every moment - we can be aware of them when we assert our life force and begin to actually live.
A person will amount to something when they put life into the tasks of everyday life - the acts - the thoughts. What the world needs is live people. Just look into the eyes of the people whom you meet, and see how many of them are really alive. Some of them have that expression of conscious life which distinguishes the person who lives.
We must let Life flow through us, and allow it to express itself naturally. Do let the little serenities of life, and the big ones also, uplift you and cause you to gain vitality. Assert the Life Force within you, and manifest it in every thought, act and deed, and before long you will be exhilarated and fairly bubbling over with vitality and energy.
Put a little life into your work - into your pleasures - into yourself. Start doing things in a full-headed way, and begin to take an interest in what you are doing, saying and thinking. It is astonishing how much interest we may find in the ordinary things of life when we wake up. There are interesting things all around us - interesting events occurring every moment - we can be aware of them when we assert our life force and begin to actually live.
A person will amount to something when they put life into the tasks of everyday life - the acts - the thoughts. What the world needs is live people. Just look into the eyes of the people whom you meet, and see how many of them are really alive. Some of them have that expression of conscious life which distinguishes the person who lives.
The Law of Mental Control - Page 2
To those who are acquainted with the laws of mental control it seems natural for one to lie asleep at night after giving thanks for the best situations of the day, or more often, of the morrow. It is just as easy to slow down the mind as it is to slow down an engine, and thousands of people are learning to do this in these days of New Thought. The best way to do it is to think of something you want - as detailed as possible. There is use inviting a harmonious thought with the purpose of "uping" it - that is a great use of energy, and the more you keep on saying, "I will think of this thing!" the more it keeps on coming into your mind, for you are holding it there for the purpose of hitting it. Grab on to it; give it another thought; fix the mind on something you want, and keep the attention there by an effort of the will. A little practice will do much for you in this direction. There is only room for one thing at a time in the focus of attention; so put all your attention upon one thought. Try it for yourself.
The Law of Mental Control - Page 1
YOUR thoughts can be faithful servants - just as you allow them to be. You have the say about it; take your choice. They will go about your work under direction of the firm will, doing it the best they know how, not only in your waking hours, but when you are asleep - some of our best mental work being performed for us when our conscious mentality is at rest, as is evidenced by the fact that when the morning comes we find situations have been worked out for us during the night, after we had dismissed them from our minds - apparently; and they will support us and serve us if we are smart enough to will them to do so. Some of the people of the world are masters of every thought which may see fit to visit them.
Your mind is given you for your good and for your own use. There are people who seem to realize this and who understand the art of managing the mind. The key to the mystery is Concentration. A little practice will develop within every person the power to use the mental machine properly. When you have some mental work to do concentrate only upon it, and you will find that the mind will get right down to business - to the work at hand - and matters will be cleared up in no time. There is a smoothness, and only required motion or power is employed. Every pound of energy is put to use, and every revolution of the mental driving wheel counts for something. It pays to be able to be a competent mental engineer.
And the person who understands how to run their mental engine knows that one of the important things is to be able to stop it when the work has been done. They stop putting coal in the furnace, and release the high pressure after the work is finished, or when the day's portion of the work has been done, and the fires should be banked until the next day. Some people stop the engine when there is no work to be done, and then they give thanks for the good working condition of the engine. These mental engines are fine machines, and need intelligent care.
Your mind is given you for your good and for your own use. There are people who seem to realize this and who understand the art of managing the mind. The key to the mystery is Concentration. A little practice will develop within every person the power to use the mental machine properly. When you have some mental work to do concentrate only upon it, and you will find that the mind will get right down to business - to the work at hand - and matters will be cleared up in no time. There is a smoothness, and only required motion or power is employed. Every pound of energy is put to use, and every revolution of the mental driving wheel counts for something. It pays to be able to be a competent mental engineer.
And the person who understands how to run their mental engine knows that one of the important things is to be able to stop it when the work has been done. They stop putting coal in the furnace, and release the high pressure after the work is finished, or when the day's portion of the work has been done, and the fires should be banked until the next day. Some people stop the engine when there is no work to be done, and then they give thanks for the good working condition of the engine. These mental engines are fine machines, and need intelligent care.
The Transmutation of Non-Positive Thought - Page 5
The mind can think of but one thing at a time, and if you concentrate upon a bright thing, the other thing will fade away. This is a good way of improving your thoughts. Learn to concentrate upon thoughts of a good character, and you will have serenity.
When the mind is full of peaceful thoughts, it can find time to work out plans to benefit you. When you have concentrated upon bright, helpful thoughts, you will discover that it will start to work subconsciously; and when the time comes you will find all sorts of plans and methods by which you will be able to meet the demands upon you. Keep your mental attitude right, and all things will be added unto you. There is sense in being serene; everything has been gained by it, and everything ever will be. Bright, cheerful and happy thoughts attract bright, cheerful and happy things to us - serenity ushers them in. Cultivate the right mental attitude.
When the mind is full of peaceful thoughts, it can find time to work out plans to benefit you. When you have concentrated upon bright, helpful thoughts, you will discover that it will start to work subconsciously; and when the time comes you will find all sorts of plans and methods by which you will be able to meet the demands upon you. Keep your mental attitude right, and all things will be added unto you. There is sense in being serene; everything has been gained by it, and everything ever will be. Bright, cheerful and happy thoughts attract bright, cheerful and happy things to us - serenity ushers them in. Cultivate the right mental attitude.
The Transmutation of Non-Positive Thought - Page 4
Well, all that I can say is that the serene person focuses only on the serene. The majority of things that we are serene about come about; a large proportion of the others come in a milder form than we had anticipated, and there are always other things which come at the same time which help us to overcome the situation. The future holds in store for us not only situations to be overcome, but also agents to help us in overcoming the situations. Things adjust themselves. We are prepared for any blessings which may come upon us, and when the time comes we somehow find ourselves able to meet it. The wind is tempered to the shorn lamb, and the shorn lamb is tempered to the wind. The winds and the shearing do not come together; there is usually enough time for the lamb to get seasoned, and then it generally grows new wool before the cold blast comes.
Be serene. Store up your reserve force by relaxing over current harmonious situations. Store your energy for what you want. You will find that by this storing up of energy you will be able to meet about any sort of situation that comes your way.
What is it that uses up all the energy in the exceptional person, anyway? It is the real overcoming of situations. It's always "Today, today," and today goes just as we hoped it would. Today is all right; it carries in its grip good things. Bless my soul, when I sit down and think over the things which I once loved to possibly descend upon me, I laugh! Where are those loved things now? I know - they are all around me I have but to remember.
You do need to invite Serenity - that is the way to form the habit. Just practice concentration, and then learn to concentrate upon something right before you, and you will find that serenity has appeared.
Be serene. Store up your reserve force by relaxing over current harmonious situations. Store your energy for what you want. You will find that by this storing up of energy you will be able to meet about any sort of situation that comes your way.
What is it that uses up all the energy in the exceptional person, anyway? It is the real overcoming of situations. It's always "Today, today," and today goes just as we hoped it would. Today is all right; it carries in its grip good things. Bless my soul, when I sit down and think over the things which I once loved to possibly descend upon me, I laugh! Where are those loved things now? I know - they are all around me I have but to remember.
You do need to invite Serenity - that is the way to form the habit. Just practice concentration, and then learn to concentrate upon something right before you, and you will find that serenity has appeared.
The Transmutation of Non-Positive Thought - Page 3
But if you really Desire a thing in earnest, you will pay the price without question; for the Desire will dwarf the importance of the other things.
You say that you want a thing very much, and are doing everything possible toward its attainment? Yes! You are serious about Desire. You want the thing more than anything else - as much as you want life. Look at the almost miraculous things accomplished by persons of great desire. Your desire is as strong as that. You work for the desired thing as if your life depended upon it. Wonderful! You know what Desire is. I tell you if a person wants a thing with great desire, as much as a strongly vital person wants life, then that person will be able to accomplish almost anything. The key to attainment is Desire, Confidence, and Will. This key will open many doors.
Love frees Desire - it breathes life into it. You must do what you love. There have been times in my life when Love would get hold of me and take a good, firm grip on my vitals, and I would have hope; interest; ambition; desire. I am grateful, I have always managed to hold onto the grip of the angel and face my situation like an adult; and lo! Things would seem to be straightened out for me somehow. Either the situation would melt away or I would be given means to overcome, or get around, or under or over it. It is strange how this works. No matter how great is the situation, when we finally face it with courage and confidence in ourselves, we seem to pull through somehow, and then we begin to know what we were in love with. This is reality, it is the working of a mighty law, which we have begun to understand, and which we may prove at any time.
People often ask: "it's all very well for you New Thought people to say 'Be serene,' but what's a person to do when they think of non serene things ahead of them, which might make them non serene?
You say that you want a thing very much, and are doing everything possible toward its attainment? Yes! You are serious about Desire. You want the thing more than anything else - as much as you want life. Look at the almost miraculous things accomplished by persons of great desire. Your desire is as strong as that. You work for the desired thing as if your life depended upon it. Wonderful! You know what Desire is. I tell you if a person wants a thing with great desire, as much as a strongly vital person wants life, then that person will be able to accomplish almost anything. The key to attainment is Desire, Confidence, and Will. This key will open many doors.
Love frees Desire - it breathes life into it. You must do what you love. There have been times in my life when Love would get hold of me and take a good, firm grip on my vitals, and I would have hope; interest; ambition; desire. I am grateful, I have always managed to hold onto the grip of the angel and face my situation like an adult; and lo! Things would seem to be straightened out for me somehow. Either the situation would melt away or I would be given means to overcome, or get around, or under or over it. It is strange how this works. No matter how great is the situation, when we finally face it with courage and confidence in ourselves, we seem to pull through somehow, and then we begin to know what we were in love with. This is reality, it is the working of a mighty law, which we have begun to understand, and which we may prove at any time.
People often ask: "it's all very well for you New Thought people to say 'Be serene,' but what's a person to do when they think of non serene things ahead of them, which might make them non serene?
The Transmutation of Non-Positive Thought - Page 2
Serenity is positive and life producing. Desire and Ambition are positive and life producing. A person may serene themselves to life and something will be accomplished, and let that person transmute their non serenity and discontent into Desire and Interest, coupled with a belief that they are able to make the change - the "I Can and I Will" idea - then something happens.
Yes, Love and Serenity must come before we can do much. One must proceed to invite these positive friends, along with Confidence and Hope. Transmute non serenity into keen Desire. Then you will find that Interest is awakened, and you will begin to think things of interest to you. Thoughts will come to you from the great reserve stock in your mind and you will start to manifest them in action. Moreover you will be placing yourself in harmony with similar thoughts of others, and will draw to you aid and assistance from the great volume of thought waves with which the world is filled. One draws to themselves thought waves corresponding in character with the nature of the prevailing thoughts in their own mind - their mental attitude. Then again they begin to set into motion the great Law of Attraction, whereby they draw to them others likely to help them, and is, in turn, attracted to others who can aid them. This Law of Attraction is real, a physical fact, a great live working principle of Nature, as anyone may learn by experimenting and observing.
To succeed in anything you must want it very much - Desire must be in evidence in order to attract. The person of strong desire attracts a lot to themselves. The stronger the Desire the greater the force set into motion. You must want a thing hard enough before you can get it. You must want it more than you do the things around you, and you must be prepared to pay the price for it. The price is focusing only on one desire. It all depends on what you want. As a rule, the greater the thing desired, the greater the price to be paid for it. Nature believes in adequate compensation.
Yes, Love and Serenity must come before we can do much. One must proceed to invite these positive friends, along with Confidence and Hope. Transmute non serenity into keen Desire. Then you will find that Interest is awakened, and you will begin to think things of interest to you. Thoughts will come to you from the great reserve stock in your mind and you will start to manifest them in action. Moreover you will be placing yourself in harmony with similar thoughts of others, and will draw to you aid and assistance from the great volume of thought waves with which the world is filled. One draws to themselves thought waves corresponding in character with the nature of the prevailing thoughts in their own mind - their mental attitude. Then again they begin to set into motion the great Law of Attraction, whereby they draw to them others likely to help them, and is, in turn, attracted to others who can aid them. This Law of Attraction is real, a physical fact, a great live working principle of Nature, as anyone may learn by experimenting and observing.
To succeed in anything you must want it very much - Desire must be in evidence in order to attract. The person of strong desire attracts a lot to themselves. The stronger the Desire the greater the force set into motion. You must want a thing hard enough before you can get it. You must want it more than you do the things around you, and you must be prepared to pay the price for it. The price is focusing only on one desire. It all depends on what you want. As a rule, the greater the thing desired, the greater the price to be paid for it. Nature believes in adequate compensation.