What I resist persists. When I first came to Unity on Greenville as a congregant Reverend Steve Colladay, the minister, often said: “What we resist persists”, to which I would always think, yes! Why is it then that I continue to resist and feed energy of resistance to what I do not wish to see in my life? Indeed, a question for the ages for any of us who have experienced a lingering issue. I know, believe and practice Emmet Fox’s “The Golden Key”. We even talked about it briefly during Sunday’s lesson. Just stop thinking about the problem, the hurt, the person, and think about God.
Have you ever tried to stop thinking a thought. It’s just like the song that runs endlessly through your mind. The more I try to stop it, the more I push against it in an attempt to make it go away, the stronger it becomes. The more I resist and fight those cold or flu symptoms, the stronger they become.
Perhaps I can accomplish my desire of relinquishing the thought in a different way. Perhaps I might embrace the thought. I could embrace it in a way that doesn’t give it power over me nor to concur that a particular thought is right. Perhaps, by merely acknowledging that the thought is there would help it along its way.
After I acknowledge a thought, I might inquire about what of value does this thought hold or what information is in it that might be helpful for my life journey? I can take what is true and leave the rest behind. Often, there is a morsel of information even in the most pestering thoughts that enlighten my life. With this newfound information and awareness, I now am free from bondage of the thought and it is free, heard, validates and away it goes.
The lifespan of a thought is so very brief unless I invite it to stay by believing the thought, trusting the thought, or following the thought. Imagine how many thoughts each day, or each minute, that merely swish through. At any moment I can guide my attention away from the existing thought to another positive affirmative thought. It does mean that it’s helpful to have positive affirmations handy. Positive statements around the house, in my car and in the office, help keep me feeding my mind the thoughts that enhance life rather than distract from the many joys of life.
As with any new habit, it takes a little time. Why not begin now! With the next thought that comes into your mind, be present to it. Is it supporting your good or distracting from your good? Take in any important information the thought is sharing then turn your thoughts to God. One way to do this is to express gratitude. Silly as it may sound, thank the thought for any awareness gained and let….it….go!
Every moment, every thought of every day is an opportunity to turn our thoughts to God!
I am packed and ready for my trip to Unity Village. It is always a joy to see the beautiful and tranquil grounds that are the home of Unity. Sunday please join Daniel Jingwa as our guest speaker. I know that Daniel will delight and enlighten everyone.
Blessings and joy,
