The Mind is the Master Weaver

"They themselves are makers of themselves"

...by virtue of the thoughts which they choose and encourage; that mind is the master weaver, both of the inner garment of character and the outer garment of circumstance, and that, as they may have hitherto woven in ignorance and pain they may now weave in enlightenment and happiness.

James Allen

(As a Man Thinketh)

Our abilities, our intellect, our education are not what is holding us back from success in work and life. What is holding us back is our thoughts. Conversely, our thoughts are what lead us to greater degrees of success and achievement. All actions are directed by what we are thinking at the time and even though we may make a conscious decision to take action, something holds us back - the subconscious. Our subconscious mind helps or hinders us in getting the job we want, the income we desire, the relationships we seek.

A great deal of time is often spend on evaluating what has happened in the past. As we review and reflect our past accomplishments, it become essential to understand simultaneously, that we have undermined or enhanced our own outcomes. If we have not identified those limiting subconscious thoughts, our ability to take positive action to achieve our goals is greatly decreased. For example, an important objective is looming that we are responsible for, but there are repeated interruptions by others requests for help and assistance. These interruptions cause us to become distracted missing targets and responsibilities to others and ourselves. What set us up for failure? Our thoughts. We thought others had a greater need - our work isn't as important. In reality, we haven't thought about creating healthy relationships and limits that support collaborative success.

Our relationship with ourselves is another one that requires serious attention. Another example, I woke up this morning before 5AM and thought instantly, about writing. The bed was nice and warm, I was really comfortable. My second thought,writing can wait. I closed my eyes, snuggled under the covers and my thoughts returned to writing. I realized that I had a great idea - noticing how my thoughts affected my success or derailed me. With a sigh (not a really big one), I got out of bed and started to write. One goal for the day accomplished just as the sun was rising.

A great way to start the day. When we learn to think that our contributions and performance are important, we will stop being derailed and start achieving greater degrees of success. Notice the next time you are off or on track to success. Actively asking, "What am I thinking about right now?" when struggling to get something accomplished becomes a powerful habit for increasing the ability to refocus on what is important.

As James Allen wrote, "The Mind is the Master Weaver." Actively think about what you want to weave today.

Health Intelligence

You're faced with a health challenge. It may be a chronic illness, or perhaps you are sedentary and over weight. The time to change your lifestyle is "now". Yet knowing how critical this is, you still procrastinate, making excuses and telling yourself "I'll start tomorrow". We all do this.

According to Joshua Freeman, the COO for Six Seconds EQ Network, a nonprofit organization putting emotional intelligence in action. says it begins with 1) "questioning the underlying assumption"-"know yourself". Raise your awareness of your patterns and feelings about taking care of yourself. If the idea of "having to do" something turns you away from it, redirect your feelings by understanding how this activity will help you and who can help you accomplish it.

2) "Accessing Useful Feelings"-"Choose Yourself". Celebrate your accomplishments. If every time you exercise, or choose a salad over pizza you begin to feel frustrated and want to give up, redirect your feelings to one of pride and accomplishment. Acknowledge yourself every time you make a healthy choice by noticing how proud you feel when choosing to be healthy.

3) "Focus on the larger purpose"- "Give Yourself". Give your health activity meaning by focusing on the bigger picture. How will taking care of yourself effect your life, your family, and your kids? Perhaps the idea of being around for you kids and future grand children will keep you motivated? How would you like your future to look?

In addition to these, I get inspiration and motivation from others who are reaching their goals. Giving and getting support is a necessary part of the process of achieving health.

Let's support each other. Write in and tell us what inspires you to take action when it comes to improving your health and how do you stay on track?

Judy Rienzi