The Mind Directs
We are physical, mental, and emotional beings. Each piece works together to create the whole person that we each become. The first thing shown to the world is our physical body. It is easily seen. Next is our emotional state. Our emotions show up in our facial expressions and bodily appearance. Last is our mental state. This is not easily seen, but it is an important factor in how our lives unfold.
“A man is literally what he thinks.”
-James Allen
This quote is a perfect example of why the mind is so important. The mind may not be easily seen, but it is always in control. Your mind is a major factor of everything that is going on in your life. For example, people unconscious and in comas are unable to show awareness to the world. We are animated from birth because of our mind. And the mind continues to grow as we do.
The Mind Grows and Learns
Our minds grow and develop along with our bodies. We learn consciously and subconsciously how to maneuver in the world we live in. As a result, we learn what is acceptable or not in our cultures, and what is expected of us. Our self esteem is developed based on what is said to us that we began to internalize. So, other’s thoughts of us control us until we can master control over our own mind.
The Mind Tricks
Eckhart Tolle said, “All problems are illusions of the mind.” This is true to an extent. It was better stated by Mr. Tolle that “The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but thought about it. Be aware of the thoughts you are thinking. Separate them from the situation, which is always neutral. It is as it is.” But what does that mean? For years one of my favorite sayings has been it is what it is. Only now do I understand the truth in the statement. There are things, events, and situations that aren’t ideal. Well, they can be plain horrible. But how bad they are can only be determined by how we think about it.
The Mind Determines
Disease and disability can be viewed as negative. Yet, you see plenty of people with physical and mental impairments achieving feats that we only dream about. So, is it negative? Or is it our mind that made us think it’s negative? There are people diagnosed with cancer or a serious illness every day. The way they set their mind on the outcome can be the determining factor in what happens.
This is not to say that the mind is all we need to cure any illness or situation. I have seen the most determined people fight cancer only to succumb to it. It is not about winning or overcoming, but about how you perceive what you’re going through. Abraham Lincoln once said, “People are just as happy as they make their minds to be.” Times will be hard, and we will all go through things that we have to endure. It is how we frame our mind that determines the outcome.
The Mind Controls
I think about the people who couldn’t handle the downturn as I go through my own hard times. There are people who have taken their life and their families lives because of a down season. And there are people who live impoverished lives that have the most beautiful demeaner and outlook on life. Many celebrities have mental breakdowns and go to rehab while their lives look idyllic on the outside. It is not our position or circumstances that determine our outcome, but the way we think and feel about it.
I want you to understand that you control your own destiny. What your mind thinks is what you will show. So, think better of yourself. Better is not financial, material, or based on comparison. Better is realizing that it is what it is, and it always will be no matter the situation. Your life isn’t over because nothing is going the way you desire it to be. It may not be your plan, but the plan of your life is happening the way it is supposed to.
The Mind Is Powerful
The mind is more powerful than we ever give it credit to. It can keep us in poverty or make us wealthy. Our minds can keep us sick, fat, and tired. Or, it can make us strong and healthy. Thoughts can change the reality around us! Depression and anxiety are serious diseases, and their symptoms attack the mind. Depression leads you to feeling down or hopeless about the life you live. Anxiety leads you to fearfulness and worrying about anything. It is best to find a provider, therapist, and support group to help you tackle these diseases. Because in these cases, it helps not to go through it alone.
So, as you go through down times your thoughts matter. As you are facing infertility, or a new disease diagnosis, or a financial crisis remember that your thoughts matter. You have the ability to change your life at any time. It is all in how you allow your mind to control you. Bob Marley said it best, “None but ourselves can free our minds.”
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