Simple phrases
Dear friends,
The mind is a bit complex. There are many thwarting cross-currents such that even our best intentions can be diverted by habits and impulses. It is often not important where these foes of our intended direction come from or are caused by, so long as they are defeated!
It’s why psychology can help with a specific issue (a deep narrow fear or trauma, for example), but is not really a way to learn to lead a life. Untying each and every knot in our consciousness is a bit like cleaning a beach by picking up a grain of sand, polishing it, putting it down, and picking up the next grain. As a favorite song of mine says regarding troubles, “Get rid of one and you find its friend.”
That said, there are some basic harmful attitudes that can be attacked head on and their power greatly lessened by the right phrase or attitude. Simple can be very good, whereas deep thought and philosophy can be a bit much to clearly and strongly hold in the mind.
I have a friend who puts too much pressure on herself. She is a perfectionist in many ways, and of course therefore, in her mind, falls short in important ways. This leads to self-criticism and a host of not-the-best feelings and habits.
I suggested to her at one point to hold strongly to the thought, “It’s a free life!” That her life this incarnation is a gimme; a do-over; a Mulligan; an extra one that does not count.
Mind you, this is definitely not advice I’d give to most people! But progress in human affairs is directional, not absolute. For her, this is a step in the right direction. The chance of her overshooting and becoming lazy and undisciplined is about zero.
The other easy step I have suggested is to smile when she works. She tends to bear down and when I see her working, it is almost always with a slightly wrinkled brow. I recently suggested putting a smile on instead and she has said it has made a huge difference. Taking joy in what is in front of you is much better than getting through it to get to the next thing. Life is composed of moments, and as Yogananda said, “Take care of the minutes and the incarnations will take care of themselves."
Maybe think about an attitude or habit you are trying to break, or an attitude you are trying to shift. Come up with a simple phrase or action that counters that unwanted direction. You can also look through my favorite affirmations book.
Yogananda called a “wish” as a desire without energy. May we each find the courage and energy to move in the direction our hearts and souls know is best for us.
Blessings,
David G, manager
For the gang at East West