Expansion of the Mind

      We've spoken before of the mind traveling. We have not gone into the outer reaches of the mind's ability but just as a baby starts with little steps, we must also take little steps. It is difficult to speak of the mind in such a way that all can relate because each one of us individualizes what the mind is. We know our own mind and we tend to think of mind as that which we experience. We're aware of the agility and speed of the mind and the tiredness and alertness as we experience it, but we still know little about the mind's ability.

      Mind influences everything it comes in contact with, and as the mind travels it can relate to many things and places. A thought is a powerful thing. We build our lives on our thoughts. We reason, we think, we come to conclusions, but we creatively build our own inner structure with the thoughts that we create. We have spoken before of the need to be aware, to monitor our thoughts, to see what information we are putting into our subconscious mind. Still, we are not aware so much of the mind's energy. This energy that is connected to thoughts affects others in so many ways. It can startle, it can soothe, it can cause a disturbance, or it can influence. When we put our mind in a specific frame of reference, whether it is in a meditative state and is calmed down or it is amplified to touch others, we must be careful that we take our steps in a responsible way. Mind control is out of the question, for each person's mind is a private space and to be respected. Yet, we can send our mind, our thoughts forward to comfort another, we can send the energy of the mind even though we do not send actual thoughts. If we intend a thought and it is sent with intention, it will be received. This does not mean that the receiver is always consciously aware of it. Many times we've heard from someone and said "I was just thinking of you". There is a connection at some level. As distance is not a barrier, the positive thought can reach around the globe to comfort and to sooth, to send love and caring. To use the power of the mind in a negative way is to invite a response that is also negative.

      As has been said before, we need time to think. Not in the midst of the daily work routine or the busy chores of the day....we need time to think in a quiet setting. If this seems out of reach in a home that has much activity, it would be interesting to have a family quiet time. It would only take a few minutes to have everyone observe a quiet time. No outside noise or distractions, just a few minutes of daily quiet. What a person thinks is private and there is no need to attach a discussion afterwards on what kind of thinking or thoughts went on. In fact, this would not encourage the flow of one's own thoughts. In that quiet time, there would be no reading or working with the hands as people generally think of how to use quiet time. It would simply be a few minutes to be still, to sit quietly, to think or not to think, but to give the mind a time for its own development. This may be difficult for those used to a busy schedule but it is well worth the time spent on it. In the few minutes of practice, you will see that the mind enjoys having time to itself and the rewards of such a practice will soon be evident.