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Law of Attraction
Or, if you prefer, “Garbage In, Garbage Out!”
This Hermetic principle can be very valuable in helping you regain your perspective when your life seems out of control. It simply means that your outer world is a reflection of your inner world. In other words, the amount of chaos in your environment (your outer world) is a reflection of the amount of chaos you experience in your mind.
Most people have a strong resistance to this type of thinking because it can be quite humbling. After all, who wants to admit that their hectic life is a result, even in part, of a frenzied mind? It’s much easier to believe that your hectic life is a result of your circumstances, responsibilities, or face-paced schedules.
I am still determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions and not upon our circumstances. Martha Washington
If you are able to accept this philosophical strategy, it can be extremely helpful, not only in the events of your day to day life, but to your overall well being. While you have little control over your environment - your outside circumstances - you do have the capacity to change from the inside out.
What Comes First?
What comes first, a peaceful mind or a peaceful life? It may be difficult to admit, but the answer is obvious. A more peaceful mind precedes a more peaceful outer life. If your life seems overwhelming and you need more peace, the best place to begin your improvement is within your own mind.
The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives. William James
All too often, we are overreacting to events in our lives that are largely beyond our control. We blow too many issues out of proportion. We make too many mountains out of molehills.
Where to Begin?
Simply acknowledging that most of our problems lie within us - not in the circumstances around us - can be very helpful because it places the blame where it really belongs: inside each of us!
The next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, slow down and take a look inside. If you do, I think you’ll see how much your outer life is a reflection of your inner world. Just by making this connection, you may very well know what steps are needed to solve the problem.
If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. Dr. Wayne Dyer
Keep feeding your mind with new information, ideas and pictures of the person you want to be and the life you want to live. By creating this inner attitude of mind, you change the outer aspects of your world. Out with the old and in with the new.
Take the Garbage Out
It is definitely possible to train your mind to be less reactive to ordinary difficult events: everyday events that we may overreact to normally. This is not to say that something won’t affect you, it will. I am simply saying you can re-train your mind to react differently to the same set of facts. You can work on the negative patterns that we have developed through habit; the “Garbage” we have accumulated in our minds.
When a normally difficult situation arises, you begin by telling yourself. “I will not overreact or be bothered by this situation.” Granted, this may seem a little superficial in the beginning. Telling yourself you aren’t going to be bothered may seem a little like telling yourself you feel good when you have the flu (although that can be a good idea too). But if you give this exercise a chance, you’ll find this can be very effective. Refuse to be bothered and take the habitual reactivity (the garbage) out of the picture.
Gina
Technorati Tags:Self-Improvement, Happiness
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Beginning with in our self is one step in overcoming problems that surrounds you. Having a peace of mind can change your perspective in solving this adversity. Changing our way of thinking and starting with your mind, family and home will affect your own future. Believeing once self is the measure of your own success.
Nice article. It reminds me of a well known phrase a friend told me once and one that I try to keep telling myself, “Life is what you make it.” We have more control on our own lives than we sometimes think.
Thank you Gina for another wonderful article. I usually don’t leave comments, but I do so love the Dr. Dyer quote “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” I discovered him (Dr. Dyer) through your web site and have been listening to a recording of his I found at a garage sale. It is wonderful!
Bless you,
Jean Marie
Thank you Jean Marie,
I appreciate the kind words and I am so glad you enjoyed the article. I appreciate everyone’s comments. Let’s me know what I am doing is worthwhile.
Gina