You are here :
Home
» Questions & Answers
» June 2006
Q How are thoughts created, what are thoughts?
Johannesburg , South Africa
A Thoughts are vibrations of energy. Thoughts are created in the conscious mind by the creative process of "thinking about" things. We have free will to choose and think whatever thoughts we desire. It is incredibly powerful for us when we understand this and use the faculty correctly.
Thoughts are also created by the subconscious mind and are reflections from images and imprints that we have within. When they come from the subconscious they suddenly just "appear" in our mind.
Q First off, I want to thank you for a very outstanding book. Mind Power Into the 21st Century has given me good results. In your book you recommended a book called Think and Grow Rich. Well, I'm reading the book and it is definitely based upon the same principles as your book. With one exception, and that prompts my question. Napoleon Hill advises me to visualize the EXACT amount of money I want. But I just visualize for success, prosperity, and ABUNDANCE. I thought that visualizing with too much detail is not good. I appreciate any advice you can offer.
Canada
A There are definitely two schools of thought regarding this question. One is that you should visualize the exact amount you want in exact detail. The other is that you should just visualize abundance and prosperity and allow it to flow to you. Actually I don't have a strong opinion either way. I think that you have to trust whatever feels appropriate to you. If you think that it is important to have the exact amount, then visualize the exact amount. However, I tend to just work with the general notions of abundance and prosperity, seeing lots of money coming in. I find this works very effectively for me; however, there doesn't seem to be a right or wrong way. I think it really depends on the individual and what feels comfortable. You can even do a combination of both techniques. So go with the one that feels right for you.
Q This is to thank you for creating such a treasure, "Mind Power." I received it as a Xmas gift and have already read it three times. In addition both my teenage children have expressed a keen desire to read the book and discuss the related concepts. Ever since my youth I have always believed that meditation had a lot more significance in life than merely as a religious practice. In addition I have never been able to find the real answers to GOD despite reading the Koran, the Bible and many other books on every major religion (I was brought up in a very staunch Muslim environment). During one of my moments contemplating my subconscious (as per your book), I had a thought that in fact GOD is within me and all of us through our subconscious, and suddenly I felt extremely elated and joyous that I had found an answer I had been searching for so long. I must admit I am kind of sensitive to this subject because I am convinced that religion is a very subjective issue, and I have always felt that all religions are "right" provided that you can personally and truly relate to it. In addition, there is now a new link in my life between meditating and practicing Mind Power. Have you any comments?
Ontario, Canada
A What a wonderful realization. While both religion and Mind Power can be practiced independently of each other, they can also work very powerfully together. At the core of many spiritual practices you will find Mind Power principles. Meditation and Mind Power will always go well with one another. Contemplating the subconscious will bring you much wisdom. The subconscious will teach you well. I'm very happy for you.
Q Another book which I read says that I should certainly set a deadline for my goals. I would like you to give me your opinion about this.
Nara, Japan
A There are two schools of thought on this matter. The first says you must set a deadline or else it won't happen. The second says let it happen in its own way at its own time. Sometimes I set deadlines for my goals and sometimes I don't. I usually go with what feels right. I think each particular circumstance will determine which method you should use.
Q Another book which I read says that I should certainly set a deadline for my goals. I would like you to give me your opinion about this.
Nara, Japan
A There are two schools of thought on this matter. The first says you must set a deadline or else it won't happen. The second says let it happen in its own way at its own time. Sometimes I set deadlines for my goals and sometimes I don't. I usually go with what feels right. I think each particular circumstance will determine which method you should use.
Q My question relates to my major goal in life versus the intermediate goals which I must achieve to reach my major goal. I'm currently changing careers (at age 35) to become a clinical psychologist. Do I do my Mind Power exercises on myself as a successfully qualified clinical psychologist practicing in Canada (big goal), or should I be doing exercises on all the intermediate steps I still have to go through before I get there, i.e. complete the Honours programme, emigrate, make money to complete my studies in Canada etc., etc. (intermediate goals)? Very grateful for your response. I'm now on my 5th week of not missing a single day of exercises - you're an inspiration!
Pretoria, South Africa
A Goal setting is an art in itself. I refer you to the chapter on Goals in Money Success & You. When one is attempting to achieve a large goal you are absolutely right to recognize that there are intermediate goals and steps that one must achieve along the way. While keeping the final goal in mind, it is best to focus on the intermediate steps and visualize yourself achieving them. Also, whenever you achieve one of the intermediate steps acknowledge to yourself that you're on your way. Build up a success vibration with every step.
Q I have your book, Mind Power Into the 21st Century, and it's becoming quite dog-eared with use. I appreciate your sharing your knowledge and believe in what you are saying. I have started to practice your suggestions. However, I cannot seem to get over my belief in what was observed by Dr. Hans Selye, a world-renowned neurologist from Montreal (on www), who said some years ago that more than two major life traumas (including deaths, retirement, etc.) would result in illness. While I have tried to put this from my mind, I have believed this to be true in many cases, and I cannot seem to manage it.
Markham, Ontario
A All major life traumas cause a loss of life force. When your life force is low you are more susceptible to illness. Through Mind Power and attention to your thoughts and beliefs you can recharge your life force. Allow the natural grief and sorrow to have its place in your psyche. To try and get over the trauma too quickly is counter-productive and only represses it. But once it feels appropriate, move on to other matters.
I know of Dr. Hans Selye and his work on stress. In many cases back-to-back trauma will cause illness, but it doesn't have to. Not if the person understands the energy, maintenance and practices of Mind Power. You can overcome this belief by reminding yourself, every time the old belief comes up, that regular Mind Power exercises counteract any negative effects. Remind yourself also that many people go through traumas without sickness. Yes, even two or more traumas. In fact it's often trauma that helps us take new directions in our life, which opens up new insights for us. While not pleasant, trauma can often be beneficial.
Q I have a problem with saying NO. I think that one factor might be that I'm not ASSERTIVE enough. How can I learn to say no in a diplomatic way? And how can I make sure that I keep my self-awareness level up at all times?
South Africa
A Never mind learning to say "No" in a diplomatic way. Concern yourself with simply saying no, with honouring yourself by doing what is right for you. If you never say no to people you will end up doing all kinds of activities which are simply inappropriate.
Use the visualization technique to see yourself as an assertive person who can easily say no when you need to. Practice in your mind saying no to people and handling their response - sometimes they will accept it easily, sometimes they will argue, but keep to your resolve. When you say no to people it does not mean that you're being unresponsive or selfish. It means that you choose when and how to help. If you say yes all the time you will undoubtedly not have time to do some things that are important to you. You can't do everything for everyone. See yourself as a person who can make the distinction and say no easily when it's necessary.
Q I am writing to you because it is important for me to know your point of view on my situation, which is the following: at the present moment I work as a secretary, and this is the fourth company I have worked for. (I am 25 years old.) I know that this job is not my "place" for self-realization. I work there to earn money and because my knowledge of a foreign language is in demand. I like to practice it. (In addition, I enjoy the communication with different people). But I am not satisfied. I know what I want to do to "express" myself, but I cannot take this step. It seems to me that I have entrapped myself. I know that the problem is in me but I cannot catch' it. I understand that it is difficult to offer advice on the basis of such a short letter. In any case, thank you in advance.
Kaliningrad
Russia
A You have not entrapped yourself. You are a young woman with a very exciting future; what you need is confidence and trust that life will give you what you want.
Firstly, acknowledge yourself regularly for achieving what you have and for all your present skills. Feel good about yourself. Your desire for something different is healthy and shows you are striving for your path of self-realization. This is wonderful. I suggest you read the past monthly topics, "Follow the Call" and "Trusting Life." These will supply you with the steps you require.
When you have the will and the desire to find your place, and you relax with confidence and trust in the vibrating matrix of life using your Mind Power daily, great and wondrous things happen. But change your thoughts from "I've entangled myself" to "My dissatisfaction with my present job is healthy and will lead to creative solutions."
Q I have a problem with my son (12 years old). He likes to play all the time, doesn't have confidence at all and doesn't want to study. I would like to know whether I can use mind power to change his attitude?
Selangor , Malaysia
A You can use Mind Power in two ways to help your son. First, expect the best from him and hold in your mind the thought that all will turn out fine, that he is destined to be a very successful and well-adjusted young man filled with confidence and passion.
Children go through so many different stages, like a roller coaster ride that dips and rises with every event. Hold the overall image of what you want for your child and help him by telling him that this is your image of him.
Secondly, teach him Mind Power. Children pick up on it perfectly well when it is explained to them in a simple way. I would suggest you obtain Mind Power for Children (see products page). This is a book for parents and teachers on how to teach Mind Power to children. It is primarily designed for children from age three through to the early teens. Lots of good ideas and teachings contained in this book. You can also order it in Singapore through our distributor Marshall Cavendish, and they will ship to Malaysia .
Q I have read your book, Mind Power Into the 21st Century , and it has opened my mind to so many new aspects in life. I e-mailed you before, and I thank you for having e-mailed me back. I also did a project in school based on the powers of the subconscious mind because I am very interested in this topic.
I have a question for you again. I am going into my twelfth grade in school this year, and I am very anxious about colleges and careers. I was wondering if you could suggest a mind power technique to use in order to decide what college and career is right for me.
Thank you for your time and help.
A Trust your subconscious mind to help you make the right decision.
Two good affirmations for you are: "My subconscious mind is my partner in success," and "I will make the right decision about career and college." After you say these affirmations 10 or 20 times daily, relax, knowing your subconscious will help you. Then allow the answer to come. It will come to you either in a dream the still small voice that speaks within or as a feeling a gut feeling that directs you one way or another.
Trust your passion and what seems most interesting and inviting to you. Trusting and following your passion as a career choice is always a wise choice.
Put no pressure on yourself. Trusting and doing your affirmations will most certainly lead you to make the right decision.