More on self mastery from my book “Harness the Power Within and Without”.

The Mind

As you have just read the body is truly a marvelous machine however, like the influence the wind has on water so the mind has a similar affect on the body. Without wind bodies of water would not move they would not have a stimulus. We have all seen ponds that are still having no current.  Well the mind causes the current within the body.  Just as the mind causes the current that flows thru the body that current could very well be a violent or

uncomfortable current.  For example when faced with a difficult situation some have established a modus operandi of doubtful negative, thinking and thus react with;

• nervousness
• anger
• despair
• hopelessness etc.

now what are the tell tale signs of these emotions. How they make you feel physically right like;

• cramps
• indigestion

• headaches
• sweating
• or rapid heart rate

remember what caused it all… the way you think.  Now, nervousness, anger, and the like are all natural responses to stress.  However you must not allow this to become a habit.  You must dedicate yourself to positive thinking, reinforced by positive learning and other positive influences.  The breathing technique I outlined for you is an example of positive knowledge; retrain yourself by using it to establish new stress response patterns.  What you know is not power until you use it and the type of knowledge is a critical issue.  In chapter 1 the mind is outlined as the part of the brain that deals with thought. The mind is also represented by a burst of light in the Shu Ha Ri Legacy symbol. Your positively empowered mind can light the path for the right way to “think feel & do” commit this to memory.  On the other hand a negatively empowered mind does just the opposite.  You can say that ignorance is bliss however what you don’t know or choose not to know can hurt you. You see we become victims of our minds by repeating the same response patterns.  When this happens you also become victims of circumstance.  Due to a circumstance or situation, that arises in your life you react the way you’ve trained yourself to react.  Only afterwards do you think to yourself I wish I would have…  If you harness the power of your mind you will be able to harness the power of circumstance.  A wise person once said life is 10% what happens to you and 90% your response or reaction to what happens to you. One of the major points I am trying to convey in this section is for readers to recognize that the power of the mind lies not in events, circumstances, situations etc. rather in our thoughts and choices.   So harnessing the power of the mind begins with positive thinking which is developed by positive learning/influences and recognizing the power of choice.  Previously I used an analogy describing the wind affecting water in a similar way the mind affects the body.  Water however, simply reacts to a stimulus we on the other hand can choose our actions there in lies the power given to us at creation…. choice.  I previously mentioned an empowered mind lighting the path, well let’s break down the analogy of light.  If your mind has not been empowered positively, or if you routinely allow negative circumstances, or situations to become your primary focus then these circumstances or situations can accurately be described as dark for you.  During these times the solution is obscure to you, during seemingly dark times our minds can keep us in the dark or as stated before light the path out.  The kind of knowledge we have acquired negative/dark or positive/light determines whether we are kept in the dark or brought into the light.  Negative knowledge seen as valuable to many in society is;

• sexual immorality
• manipulation techniques
• being a clever cheat
• showing no remorse
• telling half truths, etc.

• rage
• slander
• gossip

Examples of Positive knowledge is how to develop

• good ethics
• morals
• values
• innocence
• honor
• respect
• courage
• patience
• love
• faith
• hope
• trust

need I go on which list will you build your life, or the life of your children on.   When faced with dark or any other times which foundation would be more beneficial cheating ,or honor, manipulation, or respect, immorality, or morality, rage or patience, the choice is yours.  If you want your mind to light the way for your journey positively, then positive knowledge is essential.  We acquire knowledge primarily through what we see read and hear.  Some sources are;

• TV
• movies
• books
• radio
• song lyrics
• talk shows
• family
• friends
• and environment

Do not underestimate the power and influence these things have on your mind.  Your mind is much like a computer.  Computers do what they are programmed to do.  So… who’s programming you? The major difference between humans and computers, like humans and water, though is choice.  So I say again take back the power of your mind by choosing or filtering carefully what goes through the eyes and ears.  For these very things become the thoughts which once they marinate with your vulnerable inner person or spirit will become your feelings, your passions, what inspires you.   Now just as the mind steers you, and lights the path, your feelings fuel you love, anger. passion, hate, these are internal matters which leads me to the spirit.

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