Our mind can be our greatest enemy or our greatest help. The Buddha is quoted as saying, “with our thoughts we make the world…think or act with an impure mind and suffering will follow you like your shadow, but think and act with a pure mind and joy will be your constant companion.” When the mind is clouded and restless, we may be driven by habits and emotions that do not serve our highest good and bring suffering in their wake. Sometimes people feel trapped by their own reactive patterns and despair to know how to change them. Learning to change our thoughts patterns makes all the difference.
The first step is to consider the nature of the mind and consciousness itself. What is the relationship of mind to soul? Of body to mind? Of our thoughts to our experiences? The true Self expresses through mind and body. The mind is an instrument used by the soul. The light of awareness shining in the mental field is the light of Supreme Consciousness, of which each soul is an individual expression. Mind alone is not conscious but our spiritual nature is ever conscious, ever aware. This distinction is important for us to know because it means that we, as conscious spiritual beings, can observe, influence and change our minds. And this is where the transformation begins.
We begin by taking on the perspective of the conscious witness to our thoughts. We observe what thoughts prevail in the mental field and we determine whether or not those thoughts are useful. We ask ourselves: Do they contribute to peace and well being? Are they true? Anytime we discover thoughts that are not useful, that are not based in truth or that have a negative influence, we simply introduce another train of thought. This potent practice is called “cultivating the opposite.” We notice and acknowledge what we are thinking and feeling, and then we introduce another possibility into the mental field. If the mind is overrun with resentment, we cultivate thoughts of forgiveness. If anger and hatred fill the mind, we bring forth thoughts of loving kindness.
Sometimes people worry that they will deny important feelings if they simply substitute other thoughts. This practice is not denial of thoughts or suppression of feelings. We notice our predominating thoughts and feelings and may even inquire into what causes brought them about. Then, we consciously decide to bring forth a more positive perspective so that any decisions we make or actions we take will be done in the clearest way. Changing our thought patterns from resentment to forgiveness does not give us amnesia. We don’t forget what happened but we do become better equipped to deal with it with a loving heart and a calm mind. The decision to live in the highest way means that we do not allow circumstances cause us to react. Instead, we learn to consciously respond to circumstances. We realize that we can choose to bring more clarity, more love, and more peace to any situation.
Think About It: The practice of concentration and clear focus that we develop with our meditation and spiritual practices helps us to be more observant in all areas of our daily life. The ability to observe how our mind works helps us discern right use of our attention and energy. Research about concentration, attention, and distraction is pointing out why cell phone use while driving is hazardous. The split between internal and external attention impairs reaction time needed for safe driving. As meditators, we can actually observe this phenomenon in our own mental fields. When we do, it becomes clear that cell phone use while driving is not advisable, whether hands on or hands-free. Studies reported by the American Psychological Association show that cell phone use while driving is comparable to driving while under the influence of alcohol. They recommend that if we are tempted to use the cell phone while driving we should ask ourselves if we would drive while drunk. http://www.apa.org/research/action/drive.aspx
Be Inspired: As we think in our hearts, so are we. -Proverbs 23:7
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