This week really sunk in what we are learning and trying to master. We have to control the thoughts that we let into our minds in order for it to work on the things we really want in life. Think of losing your job or getting a flat tire? The subconscious mind hears this and starts to manifest the resources for these events. If your thoughts are of abundance, affluence, joy, happiness, giving and service those things will manifest and the resources to make it happen. This few sentences from Haanel’s Master Keys summed it up for me.
Part 5-9. If either of us were building a home for ourselves, how careful we would be in regard to the plans; how we should study every detail; how we should watch the material and select only the best of everything; and yet how careless we are when it comes to building our Mental Home, which is infinitely more important than any physical home, as everything which can possibly enter into our lives depends upon the character of the material which enters into the construction of our Mental Home.
Part 5-10. What is the character of this material? We have seen that it is the result of the impressions which we have accumulated in the past and stored away in our subconscious Mentality. If these impressions have been of fear, of worry, of care, of anxiety; if they have been despondent, negative, doubtful, then the texture of the material which we are weaving today will be of the same negative material. Instead of being of any value, it will be mildewed and rotten and will bring us only more toil and care and anxiety. We shall be forever busy trying to patch it up and make it
appear at least genteel.
What we fill our thoughts with become the Mental House we live within. If we are constantly barraging our mind with thoughts of anger, despair, loathing, envy, jealousy, fear, doubt and the like then the Mental House will be ready and willing to reinforce those thoughts by manifesting those events in our lives. It’s what we put in the world “within” our minds that manifest things in the work outside of or “without” our minds. If every time your phone rings and it’s one of you kids and all you can think is “Oh Crap what have they done this time?” You are setting in motion your expectation that they will always screw up and you will use that negative energy towards them. Your brain will start to crave that and you will start acting out on those thoughts by over reacting when they do screw up – hey they are kids they will screw up! Because you over react they will soon become afraid to express their thoughts to you honestly. You may have to discipline them sometimes but you don’t have to crucify them for it. If on the other hand you look forward to your kids calling you you will be much more pleasant and be more approachable when the need tell you they screwed up. This will set an example of good and positive behavior and your kids for the most part will react in kind.
We also were tasked with not giving any opinions about anything unless it was essential to our work or safety in our world. When someone asks for your opinion how about asking them a question instead such as “How do you feel about that,” “What do you really want” or saying “That’s a tough one what do you think?” This does at least two fantastic things. One it makes the other person feel that your care about their opinion and may inspire them to tell you what they fear or really want. Then you may be able to understand the situation they are in. Maybe they are uncertain because they worry that you will think their opinion is foolish. The second positive result is that it can stop a negative thought in your mind from creating a negative outcome. It slams the door on the old “I told you so…” response. If you always give your opinion about something like this, “I wouldn’t do that if I were you” what are you really hoping for? You are just waiting to say ‘I told you so when they fail. In other words you are betting on the fail.
When I tried this this week it was a little tough to remember but my tribe mates let each other know with gentle prodding. When I put it into practice I soon realized how many times I was itching to give my opinion and how many times other people are giving their opinions. How can we be a true observer if we are queuing a response before the question or statement is completely heard? We can’t. Give everyone some respect and listen and ask some questions and listen some more.
Another thought popped into my mind a few minutes ago. What is the fountain of gossip? Yes! it is opinions. Gossip is a form of the “Superiority Dance” because of the ridicule it is intended to spread. Want to stop the spread of gossip? Deny yourself the urge to give your opinions and when others do ask them how does that make you feel? or Why is that important to you to say that?
My name is Michael Puffer and I always keep my promises.
I appreciate your view on not being a true observer if we are formulating a response or comment (or opinion) before one is done talking. I am finding that as I practice being an observer, I am practicing my listening skills as well. Thank you for sharing.
So many good nuggets, I am going to remember your words during my day at work tomorrow. While reading it brought many thoughts from my day and how many times all of us at my job blurt out or opinions. I am gonna be the change and will keep repeating I have no opinion till I am able to listen fully! Thanks Michael for all your encouragement!!