Good Wishes
Giving good wishes to others acts like sunlight,
filtering into the dark corners of their mind and
lightening their burden.
Factors That Shape Our Perception (cont.)
There are four main criteria that may influence how our
perception of reality is distorted or altered (changed).
We have already discussed two criteria. Today we discuss
the remaining two:
Associated Memories
We have many associated memories: in fact, all
addictions are associated memories. For example, the
cigarette addict associates many moments during the day
to cigarette smoking (after lunch, while seeing someone
else smoking, in the restaurant with friends, coming out
of work, etc.). Another example is when we have listened
to a song over and over again. If after a few years we
hear it again, not only do the words and tune emerge,
but also the memories associated with the song. In our
relationships, associated memories create barriers when
we relate to others, since the memories we associate
with certain people and situations means that we nearly
always see them in a specific way and do not give them
the chance to change and improve. This limited and
unchanged vision that we sometimes have of others leads
to misunderstandings when communicating.
Assumptions
They are images created in advance in our intellect and
which work in a sub conscious way, just like associated
memories. By assuming, guessing or imagining, we create
a series of assumptions that influence our perception
and stop us from recognizing the reality. For example,
we hear our name being discussed by a group of people
and we think that people are speaking wrongly about us.
If we learn to rid ourselves of a whole series of
assumptions that affect our communication and
relationships, our perception of reality will not be
distorted or altered (changed). The best way of
eliminating these preconceptions is through open,
concise and precise communication in order to clear up
any misunderstandings.
Determination
Difficulties do come in life and we cannot avoid them.
When they do come they create barriers in our way. When
such barriers come our way there is no experience of
progress in anyway and there is a loss of interest in
doing things. Whenever difficult situations come our
way, we need to remind ourselves that such situations
come our way in order to help us move forward. When we
remind ourselves of this we find that we get the
determination to work on them. Only with determination
will we be able to work on them to overcome them.
Soul Sustenance
Practical Ways of Changing Old Habits or Beliefs (Part
4)
Visualization
Visualization consists of creating positive images by
means of the ability to imagine, and in this way
reinforce positive thoughts and strengthen your will to
achieve positively what you affirm for yourself in your
mind. With visualization you manage to intensify
experiences of positive affirmations and
self-motivation, and it also helps you to specify and
clarify your goals. The basic principle of using images
in our mind is to act as if the desire we have in our
mind has already been achieved. If we place images of
success, health, wellbeing or inner peace in our mind,
these will materialize in positive situations and
experience, and this image of success will become real
in our lives.
(To be continued tomorrow …..)
Message for the day
To keep the aim in front of us is to move forward with
contentment.
Expression:
Several times there are situations that are negative
where we have to face things that are not really what we
are expecting or wanting. At such times we tend to get
disheartened and experience discontentment. Our state of
mind becomes such that we can no longer experience
peace.
Experience:
The solution at such times is to keep our vision clear
on our aim. When all our thoughts and energy are
concentrated on our aim, we will be able to consider any
negative scene that comes our way as only a side-scene.
We can easily ignore all such situations and so our mind
is at rest or peace.