In my last post, I quoted Buddha: “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
From the moment we wake each day, till we lay our head down at the end to sleep, our brains are going non-stop. I decided to take my learning to heart, and take control of my thoughts. REAL control. Although I’ve studied my entire life to understand how life works, and what life is all about, it was not until this particular moment in my life that I truly realized the level at which the “watching of my thoughts with care,” mattered. I suddenly wondered if this was not the most important lesson ever taught, and if so, how ignorant modern man has become.
I decided the only way I would ever know, for sure, for myself, if Buddha’s words (“The thought manifests as the word. The word manifests as the deed. The deed develops into a habit. And the habit hardens into character. So watch the thought and its ways with care. And let it spring from love, born out of concern for all beings.”) were the most important words ever written, would be to test the theory. Although there are lots of how-tos about getting a parking space you want or improving your monetary situation, they seem like techniques that get used in passing, not a way of life. What I wanted, was to make living in the moment, in the present, watching my thoughts with care, at all times, my new habit. Hence my character would flourish and harden into a caring being living in the moment. Was it possible, I wondered.
So I set out to devise a PLAN for taking control. Here’s what I came up with:
Using some phrases from the book “The Secret,” I made small, business card size signs and laminated them. I intended to memorize these specific phrases, chosen very specifically for their combination of words. I put the cards in my pocket, in my wallet, taped them to my dashboard in the car, on the bathroom mirror, on the refrigerator. My commitment to myself was that I would think these thoughts and ONLY these thoughts. EVER. Now, obviously, I must have other thoughts, or I’d never get anything done. The point is this – I set out to never let my mind wander or be unproductive anymore. If I’m not thinking about something necessary, then I’m repeating my phrases.
Whenever I was faced with an idle moment, I’d repeat the phrases. The #1 phrase, and only phrase needed is this:
“I am whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious, and happy.”
small business card size laminated
Those 10 little words have completely changed my life. I urge you to try this for yourself; my only caution to you is this: do not change this phrase. You may feel uncomfortable saying some of these words about yourself, or you may want to add some other words. If you are uncomfortable saying that you are perfect and powerful, for example, it’s important that you get comfortable, because you are these things, and it’s important to understand that. Avoid adding words that may muddy the message to your subconscious.
When I tell you this is all I think about now, I’m not kidding. It’s like an endless tape running through my mind. When I’m walking, I say it in time to my steps, when I’m driving, or doing dishes, or cleaning, it’s running through my mind. I’ve set it to music and often belt it out in song (when no one is around!). I have a few carefully selected “mantras” that I use, and I’ll share these in a later post, but for the most part, these 10 little words are all I need to stay focused.
If you need help making your own cards or info on where to get the supplies, please let me know, I’d be happy to help.
Till next post – Wishing you health and wellness!
Coming soon: my magic elixir, Word Water!
I welcome your comments and questions.
Thank You, Dear Reader,
Namaste`
