The Edinburgh Lectures on Mental Science Revisited | Book Cover

The Edinburgh Lectures on Mental Science Revisited | Chapter VI: THE LAW OF GROWTH.

 

Chapter VI: THE LAW OF GROWTH.

Understanding how things grow is essential for anyone who wants to use the power of their mind. When it comes to nature, the most important thing to remember is that it's all about natural processes. We can try to interfere or change things, but in the long run, nature always finds its way back to its natural course. Think of it like a river – you can build dams and divert its flow, but the water will eventually find its way around or through any obstacle.

The same principle applies to our lives. We can't force things to happen, but we can create the conditions for growth and success. The key is to trust the natural process of growth, just like a gardener trusts the seeds they plant to sprout and flourish.

Think of your goals as seeds – they need time, care, and the right conditions to grow. You can't expect them to blossom overnight. Instead of rushing, focus on nurturing those seeds with your thoughts, actions, and beliefs.

Letting Go of Control

One of the biggest mistakes we make is trying to control things that are beyond our control. We get anxious and impatient, trying to force results, but this only hinders the process. Imagine you're trying to grow a plant in a hurry. You might be tempted to pull on the stem to make it grow faster, but all you'll do is damage it.

The same goes for our goals. If we constantly worry, doubt, or try to manipulate things, we're essentially planting negative seeds that will hinder our progress. Instead, we need to trust the process, let go of our need to control, and allow our goals to grow at their own pace.

The Power of Positive Thinking

Just like a gardener nurtures their plants with water and sunlight, we need to nurture our goals with positive thoughts and beliefs. Think of your goals as seeds you're planting in your mind. The more you focus on positive thoughts about your goals, the stronger those seeds will grow.

Imagine you're trying to achieve a fitness goal. You've set a target weight or a new fitness level, but you're constantly thinking negative thoughts: "I'm not going to reach my goal," or "I'm not good at this." These negative thoughts are like weeds in your mental garden, choking out the positive seeds of your goals.

Instead, focus on positive affirmations like: "I am strong and capable," or "I am making progress every day," or "I am committed to reaching my goals." These positive thoughts will nourish the seeds of your goals, helping them to grow and flourish.

The Power of Visualization

Visualization is a powerful tool for nurturing our goals. By vividly imagining our goals as already accomplished, we're sending powerful messages to our subconscious mind that help to manifest them in our reality.

Think about it like this: If you consistently visualize yourself working in your dream job, you're subconsciously preparing yourself for that reality. You're mentally rehearsing the actions and behaviors necessary to achieve that goal. The more you visualize, the more confident and motivated you'll become, and the more likely you are to take the actions needed to achieve your goals.

Trust the Process

The key to success is understanding that growth is a natural process. It's not a sprint, but a marathon. We need to be patient, persistent, and focused on the positive. By nurturing our goals with positive thoughts, beliefs, and actions, we're creating the conditions for them to flourish.

Remember, the power of growth lies within you. Trust the process, let go of control, and watch your dreams blossom.

Exercise: Planting a Seed of Success

This exercise will help you understand the power of nurturing your goals with positive thoughts and visualization.

Step 1: Think of a goal you want to achieve. It can be anything you'd like to accomplish, big or small.

Step 2: Close your eyes and imagine a small seed in your mind. This seed represents your goal.

Step 3: Imagine the seed being planted in rich, fertile soil, filled with sunshine and water.

Step 4: As you picture the seed in the soil, start to think positive thoughts about your goal. Visualize yourself achieving it, feeling happy and successful.

Step 5: Imagine the seed sprouting, growing into a strong, healthy plant as your positive thoughts continue to nourish it.

Step 6: Open your eyes and take a deep breath.

This exercise is a simple way to start nurturing your goals and creating the conditions for them to grow. Remember, the power of growth lies within you. Trust the process, let go of control, and watch your dreams blossom.