The relationship we have with our Self – that ultimately is the relationship we have with our mind. And if we have a quiet mind, we are at peace with the Self. 
Unless we understand the nature of the mind and how the mind is an integral part and root cause of everything we can never make changes that bring new results.
We need to quiet the mind. What this really means is we need to stop the incessant chatter that never gives us a moment’s peace and creates constant stress in our lives .
Said another way – When you have a mind that never stops - you have a stressful life!
But quieting the mind does not mean that we anesthetize ourselves. (I am not taking about a zombie-like state - If we want to do that, we can take drugs…) It doesn’t mean we don’t have thoughts or things to do - but rather that we are not held hostage by those thoughts.
What this means is that we do not feel compelled to chase after every thought that pops into our minds; we get to actually pick and choose what thoughts we want to pay attention to. Up until this point, everywhere the mind goes, we go. The mind is leading us around and we willingly follow. The tail is wagging the dog, the dog is not wagging the tail. We
need to change that.
HOW do we change??
Posted by: Jane | August 25, 2007 at 07:12 AM
How do you change? First of all, you really have to want to and then, you have to be willing to do the work that's required for the change.
In order to change we need to change from the inside out (gaining insight) and from the outside in (applying discipline). BOTH insight and discipline are necessary when you want to go from a place that doesn't work to a place that does.
Discipline means not going for immediate gratification of your needs but doing something you know is in your best interest even though it does not feel natural and takes work. Going in a new direction always feels uncomfortable initially and if you are not willing to bear that anxiety, you will never be able to change.
Gaining insight means "seeing" to the core of your being what needs to be done, and taking full responsibility for creating the life you want.
And finally, you need to quiet the mind - this is a discipline. Learn to meditate and sit every day (10 minutes morning and night is more than enough) no matter how you feel. As the mind begins to slow down, the heart will open, and you will experience a lightness of being. Remember, all changes rest on a foundation of a strong steady mind.
Posted by: Chandra | August 25, 2007 at 03:31 PM
This Blog Entry is featured on the Meditation, Yoga & Spiritual Growth Carnival #17.
Check it out here:
http://anmolmehta.com/blog/2008/05/05/best-personal-development-spiritual-blogs/
Posted by: James | May 06, 2008 at 07:43 AM