Prov 23:7 “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” This verse has been looping in my head for two weeks, ever since I knew I would be starting this journey. I have known that verse my whole life, but not being a “student” of thinking, I never really thought about it! How weird that sounds! I’ve learned quite a bit in just a few days.
I have learned that it is very difficult to quiet my mind, and push out those thoughts that agitate there like a washing machine. I have also confirmed what Dr. Phil has said – as you try to extinguish a behavior, it will increase before it decreases. He has generally been speaking to parents who want to change undesirable traits in their children, but it is equally true when trying to change a behavior in ones self. Procrastination increases, which I now know is my old blueprint rearing it’s ugly head – but now that I see that ugly head and recognize it for what it is, I’m starting to understand that it is a thief – robbing me of what I should be doing, then leaving guilt in its wake – which then becomes one of those agitating thoughts. And just like the washing machine, the cycle repeats.
I have learned that I am a prisoner to bad habits. Sure, I accomplish what I must – but what about those other hours? What am I avoiding by filling my time up with meaningless things? Surely time on the internet and watching some TV isn’t hurting anything. Umm, not so fast. Checking facebook, watching a show, playing a game – the time adds up. . .and up. . .and up – and keeps me locked into meaningless, time-sucking activity. I have also heard for years that you don’t just stop a bad habit, you have to replace it with a good habit. When you hear the same thing from multiple sources, it’s a clue – pay attention!
Part of this six-month journey is to form good habits. Journaling will help to keep me focused, which has always been a challenge. Look – there’s a squirrel! Oh, the phone is ringing! Better get those dishes started! Hey- who’s at the door? I need that dress clean for work tomorrow! I better get dinner started! The dishwater is cold – start over! Wait, what? I’m late for my class!
I have been tasked this week to read five things a day. That’s all. In small, manageable pieces. My old blueprint is not happy. But that is good news! It means that I’m becoming aware of where the problems are, and I can start to chip off the chunks of concrete and find out what’s really there.
I have learned that 15 minutes – (of silence with no activity) – is a very long time.
Hi Nancy, Just wanted to reach out and tell you I enjoyed your Blog. 15 minutes does feel like a long time. Would it surprise you to know when I started this course I couldn’t do 5 minutes!! I will post a blog as well, with stuff that may be helpful so be sure to follow me and check it out.
Let me know if I can help you in any way OK?
Oh look! Squirrel! You’ll do great!
Hi Nancy. You get it. It’s an imperfect world. Our life is filled with distractions. That’s the world without. I’m glad you understand the value of the world within. That is not an imperfect world. It’s in perfect harmony with Universal Mind. Day by day you’re discovering your mysterious source which never sleeps, and it brings you in touch with infinite possibilties, methods and wisdom. Cheers!