The Same Old Issues

In response to yesterday’s entry on Change, BCR made a comment:  once the newness of mere transactions wears off, a person is left with the same old issues.

It’s funny BCR raised that issue, because I’ve been wondering, “How long have I been dealing with the same old issues?”   

Regardless of how many “transactions” I make — or even if I make none at all — has any real “transformation” taken place?  Or am I still locked in?

Like AG suggested, until we are ready to undertake a disciplined and rigorous effort to re-program our deeply-rooted habits and mindsets, we may make superficial changes, but we soon have to confront THE SAME OLD ISSUES!

I’m currently engaged in a personal effort (more like a crusade) to get to the root of some of my long-standing issues.  I’m determined to make the necessary adjustments so that the issues of my youth are not the same issues I deal with for the rest of my life.  Quite honestly, if I must have issues, I’d like some new ones.

Focus = Neglect

Focus is a powerful and necessary skill.  Not everyone has the ability to narrow their view and attention on just a few things.  Distractions are prevalent, and it is a mental challenge to concentrate or converge one’s attention and effort on a limited set of items.

 

I’ve been dealing with this thought lately, that to focus on one thing is to ignore or neglect other things.

 

Right?  By defiinition, when we focus, we are purposely EXCLUDING those things which are outside the focus.

 

So while the items that we focus on are getting special attention, I must accept the fact that those items outside my focus must get neglected, to an extent.

 

I need my real thinkers to chime in on this one…

 

Does this make any sense?

 

 

 

 

What’s On Your Mind?

As it relates to thinking, there seem to be two general categories of people: thinkers and non-thinkers.

Some people are constantly thinking.  It seems their minds are running a mile a minute.  They are planning, choosing, and reminiscing about anything and everything.  Then, there are the non-thinkers, those that come across as if  their minds only work if you put a token in it.  When you look at them or try to talk to them, you’re met with this cold, emply stare.

I fall into the first group.  I am constantly thinking–about anything and everything.  One of my goals is to do a better job of giving my mind a break.  Thinking too much (doing ANYTHING too much) is not good for you!

Here’s what I’m curious to find out…what do you spend most of your “thinking time” thinking about?

In other words, what occupies your thoughts most?  Are you thinking about current circumstances, memories of the past, future visions?  Are thinking about victory or defeat?  Problems or fantasies?  Friends, family or enemies? 

I once heard that, though we are physically limited by time and space, our minds are completely free to go wherever they desire to go.

Once again, what’s on your mind?

The War Against Negativity

I told you that I’ve been teaching a series of lessons on Renewing the Mind.  There’s a proverb that states, “Above all else, guard your heart (mind), for it is the wellspring of life.”

I don’t believe that we value our minds as we should.  This is evidenced by the fact that we don’t properly guard our minds.  We let all kinds of junk in.  From the junk we read, the music we pump into our minds, and the images we watch…there is a lot of unhealthy stuff entering our minds.

Some things are blatantly destructive.  But then, there are other things that are subtly destructive.  (And the last time I checked–destructive is destructive!) 

I’m paying closer attention to the conversations I have.  I’m even more sensitive to the conversations around me that I’m not actively a part of.  I am in a mental war against negativity!  I will not allow it into my mind. 

Bad attitudes wear me down.  Pessimism is like torture.  Perpetual critics are a pain in the butt.

I’m at war!  I hope you’ll join me.
 

Brainwashed

I’ve been teaching a series of classes on Renewing the Mind.  My introduction to the lesson began with this quote from Carter G. Woodson,

When you control a man ’s thinking you do not have to worry about his actions. You do not have to tell him not to stand here or go yonder. He will find his” proper place” and will stay in it. You do not need to send him to the back door. He will go without being told. In fact, if there is no back door, he will cut one for his special benefit.

It is pretty easy to identify when others have their minds controlled by outside people and forces.  It is not so easy to see the fact that much of our own thinking is controlled by others!  (It is also difficult to admit.)

Here’s the scary part: When someone or something else REALLY controls your mind/thinking, you are left believing that YOU are actually in control!

I strongly believe that our creator designed us to be free thinkers–to have our minds free to make decisions on our own.

Let me ask you a question…and don’t answer too quickly…Who or what controls your thinking?