Month: January 2009

Positive Thinking

Proponents of self help espouse the benefits of positive thinking.  I don’t argue with the benefits of focusing your attention on something positive, and making a positive expression.   However, what I propose is that there is something more valuable.

What about all those moments when our mind wanders and where our attention has strayed?  What are we creating in those moments we are not aware and in control of our conscious expression?   I say that is is far more valuable to become aware and gain control over your attention in every moment of your day.  Eliminate all the negative expressions and unpleasant emotions in those moments of unconsciousness, and you will do far more to change your life.

Positive thinking can certainly help you to create more happiness and beauty in your life.   However it first requires that you have control over your attention, so this is the place you should start.

Spiritual Warrior’s Journey

A spiritual warrior’s life is faithful journey through two worlds.  With one arm, he reaches out.  With complete abandon he grasps hold of intent which hurls him through unknown worlds of his fears, to exploding fields of light, and a completely irrational, and unreasonable, experience of unconditional love.

With the other hand, he strains to touch the earth and walk a path of clear and impeccable actions in a material world of full of nonsense.

The Mitote

The “mitote” (me-toe-tay) as described in The Four Agreements, refers to the cacophony of voices in your head.  They are all talking but none of them seem to listen.

The mitote is driven by all those false beliefs, self importance, fears, layers of denial and justifications.  As you become aware the mitote can appear to be an endless stream of useless chatter talking over itself.  Try to turn it off in the beginning and you get a lesson in humility.    As you learn to observe it with neutrality, which is a critical step in dissolving the mitote, you find that it often tricks you by pulling your attention into the conversation.

Yes,,, it is a matrix of illusions.   But you can keep it all straight when you are aware that the truth is simple, so simple that it doesn’t need words.