You are what you think: choose wisely

Keep your thoughts positive
because your thoughts become your words.
~ Mahatma Gandhi

In my post, “How to have a happy life,” I talk about how thinking differently determines the contrast between a happy life and a miserable life. In James R. Doty’s book, Into the Magic Shop, he shares the secrets to getting what we want by clarifying our intentions as we navigate the journey of our lives. A yogi instructor states: Think loving thoughts. What you think, you create. A popular Proverb touts: Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life. Recently, I mentioned to a yogi friend that one day, I’ll require open heart surgery to repair a defective valve I’ve had since birth. She cited Louise Hay to me, and how positive thinking cured her cancer. Everywhere I turn, I’m bombarded with reminders about the power our thoughts—and words—wield. Perhaps it’s time I take the hint and focus on creating the destiny I desire.

Are you a positive thinker?

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

From the inside out

[Image credit: Christian Meyn]

 

The other day in yoga, the instructor asked us to begin practice with an intention for the class. It could be anything; e.g., making a [micro]adjustment to a posture or avoiding extraneous movement. After class, the instructor congratulated me on a strong practice. I thanked her, yet I responded with judgment. But then I remembered my intention and how I was able to maintain it throughout the class—to manage my wayward thoughts (my “monkey mind”) by focusing on my breath. Although I almost blew off this accomplishment because it was just on the inside, my instructor reminded me it was huge, because this is where change begins—within ourselves. She oftentimes ends class with Gandhi’s quote about how our thoughts become our words… habits become our values and values become our destiny (see “Do you play the comparison game”). Whether anyone sees my two-week transformation or not, my destiny is no one else’s but mine.

What is one thing you’d like to change from the inside out?

With a little help from my friends

[Image credit: Master isolated images]

Friends are the mirror reflecting the truth of who we are.
~ Unknown

Sometimes being a friend means mastering the art of timing.
There is a time for silence.
A time to let go and allow people to hurl themselves into their own destiny.
And a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it’s all over.
~ Gloria Naylor

I’ve written about my friends in past posts.  They truly are the mirror that reveals many of my flaws, but one that also magnifies those qualities which drew us to together in the first place.  Naylor’s quote goes beyond reflection into the hard core stuff — when we need a chance to flounder as we think and weigh and try again.  We don’t need judgment or “I told you so.”  We need someone who stands back and allows us to live and make mistakes.  But who will also be there to apply glue when it’s broken.

Are you the kind of friend who’s mastered the art of timing?