Live the life you want
The Power of the Mind
Exploring and Practicing life
One thing is certain, no one else lives in our minds. No one else makes our decisions for us and no one else perceives the choices to which we’re exposed. Therefore, we can look to no one else for the outcomes of our lives.
It is not my intent to speak for anyone but myself here, yet I will suggest that since we all live on the same planet, breathe the same air, and at some future date we will all shed our personalized earth suits for a different experience, we have much in common.
If my sense that we are single units with the power to determine our own destiny is true, my curiosity is aroused sufficiently to begin the journey to learn about optimal living.
Initial Questions
- Who Am I? At this point, I have a pretty good framework for knowing who I am. However, I am always open to learning more about myself as I evolve or the circumstances of my life change.
- How Did I Get Here? How I got here is growing more and more immaterial every day. Though important in the evaluation of my behaviors, I now realize that I have always had the capacity to change, so my status in life directly correlates with my state of mind at the time I was making (or not making) decisions that contributed to the quality of my life at that time.
- Where Do I Go From Here? For me, this is the big question. Where I go and how I get there are predicated on a new paradigm that shifted for me about 8 years ago. Understanding the power of the mind and its influence on my daily practices has given me a whole new direction when I consider what is possible now. This question also leads to another related question and that is, do I intend to be conscious about the use of the power of my mind or will I unconsciously allow myself to be manipulated by others who have a better grasp of the power of their own mind and intentions.
“If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.” - Jim Rohn
I decided that if I could learn to use the power of my mind to explore, identify, and achieve new possibilities or revitalized some old ones I’d have a really good shot at realizing my highest good for myself, my family, and my community. AND, there was no better time than NOW!
Use the Tools We Already Possess There are several means that, when employed with enthusiasm, can advance the manifestation of any intention. Once the mind is clear, these provisions and practices are certain to help produce the desired effect. They are: The power to choose, Imagination/Visualization, Meditation, Gratitude, Forgiveness, Curiosity, Resilience, Grit, PERMA (Positive emotions, Engagement with a challenging task, positive Relationships, Meaning in life, Achievements or Accomplishments), and LOVE.
More on these at another time and there is so much more. My point here is there are so many tools that already exist in our minds, bodies, and spirits to help design and build the life we want. The question is will we decide to use them, and if so, when? Will we finally stop blaming other people, places, and things and use the power of our minds to deliver on the promise our lives hold? I know this is what I’m doing and I’m inviting you to do it too!
I admit that change has been a slow process for me. It has recently been accelerated by the desire to be a better being and to make a contribution to the planet before my physical body diminishes and I no longer have the capacity. I have had a hard time overcoming the conditioning of my early childhood as well as the trauma I created within myself by not listening to the wisdom inside and out.
I do believe, however, that I came here to help others, yet I had to first learn for myself what it was I was going to offer others as help. Because I felt I needed to experience life before I could assist others, I took my time (not so much intentionally, mind you), and now is the time to send the message that if I can overcome the combination of what life has thrown at me and what calamities I created along the way, so can you! There is only one secret and it is no secret…We must dedicate ourselves to building the life that we want and to achieve that life through daily practice. Focused Intention and Attention! I challenge each of you to step into the uncomfortableness of not knowing how and just do it!
I’m leaving you with two quotes from James Clear, author of “Atomic Habits.”
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you want to become.” and “Be the designer of your world and not merely the consumer of it.”
I am choosing to continue to highlight the writing of others as a means of sharing their gifts with the world. Please enjoy the writing of Angie Mangino, Asim Nori, and Evon.
Oh, and one last thought for today: (and every day)…Peace be with you!
