Online Reporter
One day, out of curiosity, I asked my two youngest children what they would do (or not do) if they were absolutely free to choose. My eight-year-old son said he would not bath or go to school as these were unnecessary inconveniences, and his six-year-old sister said she would live entirely on chips and zappy nacks.
We had our fun, but deep down I knew there is no way in the world I’d ever allow this to happen — no parent in their right mind would. You will agree with me that although we love our children wholeheartedly, there are times we have to be firm with them in giving them the right guidance, for their own good.
Our bodies (including our minds) too are like these little adorable children. Allowed to have their way, they will do the most outrageous things, or will not do the expected relevant things. They don’t want to be “inconvenienced unnecessarily” by activities like meditating, praying, reading a transformational book, acting on our goals, etc. They would rather sleep, watch television, surf the internet and social media, gossip, drink, party and so forth.
And yet, within you is a high power, an inner wisdom that knows what’s good for you and your life. This is your inner parent that has to be in command. Although as an inner parent you no doubt love yourself so much, there are times you have to be firm with “that self” for its own good!
Numerous teachers have indicated how our life is a reflection of our inner mental processes and habits. For this reason, we are always encouraged to programme our minds with positive thoughts, words and habits, in line with our goals and dreams. But let us be honest; programming ourselves is not an easy process. It is often met with stiff resistance. The body already has its own thinking patterns that are aligned to its comfort and therefore acts in stiff resistance to anything that seeks to upset such comfort.
When I started seriously learning how to meditate, my body and surface mind screamed in resistance. It was something I had never done before and which had never been practiced in our family tradition. It took me a long time to train my body and my mind to sit still and be focused, respectively. Little by little, they started complying and now, I meditate without putting as much effort as I used to.
Neurologist, Doctor Joe Dispenza likened the experience of installing in our minds new thought patterns to that of chatting a new road through an overgrown bush. It is almost practically impossible to move at first, but as you keep on walking on the same path over and over, a road will eventually develop, making it much easier to move. I know a time will come when I won’t have to force my children to take a bath, go to school or eat healthy meals.
A time will also come when you won’t have to convince yourself to do the “uncomfortable” things. Your body and mind will simply adjust.
If you have not yet reached this stage, continue treating your body and surface mind like you’d do your little children: with love but firmness. Guide yourself gently but resolutely towards your goals and that greatness you are destined for, will be a reality!
Mildred Mutize is a transformational writer and speaker contactable on +263773637284, [email protected], YouTube Channel: Transformation with Mildred, Facebook Page: Mildred Mutize.
Colletta Dube