Tap Into This Secret Source of Strength
One of the most exciting discoveries of the last 200 years is that each of us can change our life by changing our thinking.
One of the most exciting discoveries of the last 200 years is that each of us has the ability to change our life by changing our thinking.
Our attitudes of mind, our typical ways of thinking, our way of looking at our life and our world….these impact us every day, in ways both obvious and unseen.
We live and operate in the physical world. Yet physical force or effort is the lowest form of energy. Mental and spiritual forces release the higher form of energy.
Your inner world of mind and spirit helps to drive and determine your outer world of circumstances and results. If there’s some aspect of your life that you would like to change or improve, look to your inner world first.
A great way to do this is to sit still and be quiet for a few minutes each day. Meditate, pray, or simply relax and let your thoughts roam for a bit.
Release your worries, relax, and quietly think about what you would like to bring into your life. You can think broadly over various areas of your life….or you can focus on a
particular area that is vexing you and picture the changes and new reality you would like to have appear in that area.
We are all seeking “peace, sweet peace” as that old Christian hymn says. We intuitively crave and seek peace of mind, because we intuitively know that a peaceful state of mind leads more easily to health, happiness, abundance, and spiritual growth.
Many people equate peace of mind with some ultimate or end state of being – something we all aspire to, but never quite attain, given our busy lives, the pressures of responsibilities, the never-ending quest for more.
Here’s a little secret: the people who are the most peaceful are the most powerful.
In your peace lies your power.
In his book, “As A Man Thinketh”, James Allen writes about the strength that comes with serenity:
“Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom…self-control is strength; right thought is mastery; calmness is power.”
You want to get into a calm, peaceful, serene state of mind, particularly in times of stress and strain.
But wait a minute, Karen. When I’m stressed and strained is exactly when I find it most difficult to become calm and collected.
Ah yes, I know. I’ve been there! Just thinking you SHOULD be calm and serene is a lot easier than BECOMING calm and serene.
There’s an old Qigong (Chi Kung) story I really like - and remind my students of from time to time.
A student asks the Chi Kung master how often she should practice to make progress. The master tells her she should practice every day for 15 minutes.
But I lead a very busy life including work and other responsibilities, says the student. What if I don’t have time to practice every day?
“Ah,” says the master, “At times when you are very busy and don’t have time, you should practice 45 minutes every day!”
In other words, the less time you have to focus on yourself, to take a time out and get peaceful….the more you need to TAKE the time and gift yourself with a few minutes of
peace.
Here’s where integration of your mental, emotional and physical powers comes in. Combining breathing, standing or specific movements, and focused intention - which can include specific visualizations and affirmations, as well as constructive emotions - can help you to master your emotional state and carve out a zone of calmness, even in the midst of chaos.
When your inner and outer selves begin to operate together in a more organized and synchronous way, then you’ve really started tapping into significant power.
The strength and mastery of your peaceful state of mind is like a healing balm for the situation. It helps bring order and right results.
Remember this: When you are in a peaceful state of mind, you are the master of the situation, no matter how negative it seems.
I often use the Prayer of Serenity as my cue to re-orient my own thinking, focus and energy back to a more peaceful and calm state.
Here is a way of interpreting that famous prayer, providing additional meaning which I find quite helpful when I am facing a particularly tough day or situation:
“Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change” (calmness is power);
“Change the things I can” (Self-control is strength);
“And the wisdom to know the difference” (right thought leads to mastery).
In such mastery is your strength and power for good.
You Can Do It!
Dr. Karen