Our thoughts are very slippery and unpredictable things. Some are like passing showers which leave little puddles when they're gone. Some stick to our minds like leeches that sap our peace of mind and joyful spirit. Some are fully-fledged; brilliant and bold in their stability, while others wander shapelessly like wil-o'-the-wisps in the night.
Most of the time, we don't give much thought to managing our thoughts.
Although our thoughts shape our attitudes, direct our actions, and ultimately chart our lives, most of us are asleep at the wheel. We allow them to come, go, dwell and drift as they please. But the key to happiness and peace of mind is learning which thoughts to hold and which ones to let go.
When you see an elderly person who has to recycle cardboard boxes or aluminium cans just to get by, imagine yourself in his or her predicament.
Allow yourself to feel their struggle and pain, and hold that thought.
Every time you start feeling sorry for yourself, remember that person's plight. Appreciate your good fortune.
When you see an image of a starving child, don't ignore it. Don't look away. Let it prick your heart and hold that thought. If you lose appetite for food because something is bothering you, remember that there are millions of people starving, but you are not one of them. You have an abundance of food to choose from. Be thankful and eat heartily.
When you catch a friend or loved one in a moment of unguarded tenderness, and it reminds you of why you love them, hold that thought. The next time you feel your friend or loved one has been inconsiderate or hurtful, let that thought soften your heart and will it towards forgiveness.
Seek out thoughts that help you become a happier and more loving person.
They don't all have to be pleasant ones; uncomfortable or jarring thoughts work just as effectively to jolt us back into consciousness, reason, love and hope. Let them grip you and make the emotional imprint on your heart.
No comments:
Post a Comment