Summary

The author discusses the struggle with negative thinking and the strategies for cultivating a more positive and soulful mindset, especially post-retirement.

Abstract

The article titled "Get the Hell out of my Head" delves into the author's personal battle with a "devil mind" that perpetuates negativity, a mental construct influenced by family history, cultural pessimism, and media negativity. The author, recently retired, experiences mood swings, from feeling useless without a professional role to cherishing the freedom to pursue inward reflection and creative endeavors. The key to overcoming the negative mindset lies in tapping into the "operating system of the eternal Soul consciousness," which is a source of love, peace, and tranquility. The author emphasizes personal responsibility in shifting one's mindset and outlines practices such as starting the day with quiet reflection, meditation, and centering prayer; surrounding oneself with positive influences; and focusing on one's calling to align with the inner soul consciousness for personal satisfaction and to counteract the ego-driven "devil mind."

Opinions

The author believes that the "devil mind" is a metaphor for negative thought patterns rather than a literal demonic presence.
Retirement has brought about mixed feelings for the author, ranging from a sense of uselessness to an appreciation for personal growth and spiritual exploration.
The author values the practice of going inward through silence and reflection to achieve a deeper heart-knowing and connection with the divine.
There is a strong opinion against the societal factors that contribute to negative conditioning, such as pessimistic family tendencies, media sensationalism, and political fear-mongering.
The author advocates for the importance of choosing

Get the Hell out of my Head

The devil mind is not some mythological pitched fork demonic figure that rattles around in my head.

It’s a mental trickster that presents me with a devil’s bargain,

“Do you want happiness or misery?”

Unfortunately I mostly choose the latter.

The other day I woke up from a bad dream. I was in a crappy mood. You see, I’ve just retired and nightmare reminded me that I was useless because I no longer had a professional role. For part of the day I had a splitting headache, a foul mood, and a bout of bad mind.

But on better days I’m glad to be retired. I cherish the extra time I have to devote going inwards to my soulful self. I delight in the freedom I have to write on a regular schedule. And I value the long walks and spiritual discussions with my wife.

But efficient thought only occurs when I choose to access the operating system of my eternal Soul consciousness. That love, peace, and tranquility is always there. My soul never goes away. It does not need self-improvement. And it does not expire with my last breath.

But when I’m not in my right mind that devil in my head reverts to bad thoughts habits that automatically prompt me towards negativity. All there derive from negative conditioning. My family history is one of pessimism. My culture is one where bad news gives oxygen to the media. Politicians dish up crap to scare folks to vote for them.

But I can never say “The devil made me do it”.

The onus is on me to straighten out my head. I can learn ways to shift into a deep conceptual knowing in my heart where love reigns supreme.

Practices for Getting the Hell out of the Mind

1. Go inward before venturing outward.

When I start my day in quiet reflection, meditation and centering prayer I have a better crack at sanity. Structuring silence into our lives facilitates heart-knowing. It is no coincidence that our “soul” messages come in the middle of the night when all is quiet.

In silence I gaze at the surrounding woods, reflect on the running river, watch my dog stretch, and gaze at my wife’s photo gallery in our living room. Or I repeat the words of the Psalm

Be still and know that I am God

Be still and know that I am

Be still and know

Be still

2. Surround oneself with energy boosters

I do my level best to avoid those who suck the life out of the room.

Rather I seek folks with values similar to mine. They inspire me to do my best work. Some are truth tellers who kick me in the gluteus maximus when I listen to my inner devil.

The better angels of my mind encourage me on road towards my inner divinity.

3. Stay focused on one’s calling

In my long life I’ve had a number of jobs.

I’ve been a pastor, psychologist, professor, and consultant. Each represented a professional role. Each only became a calling when my devil (ego) mind was tamed and my soul had a chance to appear center stage

And the core of personal satisfaction arose when I reached beyond myself to do good wherever I could.

There has always been a correlation between my sense of personal satisfaction with the times I connected with my inner soul consciousness.

My above practices give me a shot of getting out of my head (ego) and into my heart (True self or essence)

Conversely I am always miserable when my devil mind takes over.

The choice is always mine.