Q: I am currently trying to set up my mind power program. Like you say, people think it's easy but it is in fact difficult. I am listening and working with the CD Setting up a Mind Power Program, and I now realize that my goals are not specific enough. In fact, I am now questioning my goals. John, you say that one of the practices of choosing appropriate goals is to go to the subconscious to affirm that I always make the right choices and that I always choose the right goals. Does this work in conjunction with the 90-day program, or do you first do this step and realize what your goals are (and how long will this take?), and then follow the 90-day program?
I also find that I cannot relax and let my subconscious do the work. I think about mind power constantly and then my mind is so confused and so full that I end up getting very frustrated, especially at night before going to sleep. I work myself up into such a frenzy doing affirmations and concentrating on them that I eventually battle to go to sleep. Am I doing too much and confusing my subconscious?
Gauteng, South Africa
A: You need to relax and trust the system to work for you, and it will, naturally and effortlessly. When I say effortlessly what I mean is that your only real concern should be to follow a daily mind power program (as outlined in the CD Setting up a Mind Power Program). Each day will present you with new circumstances, events, people and opportunities for you then to act upon.
Part of choosing an appropriate goal is also knowing which are inappropriate goals and rejecting them. This can happen naturally and effortlessly when you relax into it. So relax and trust the process. Why are you working yourself into a frenzy doing your affirmations? Choose affirmations that make you feel relaxed and calm. How you feel is an important guide.
Your subconscious works for you day and night once you harness it and trust in the process. Take a more relaxed approach and follow the instructions in the CD Setting up a Mind Power Program. It has worked successfully for hundreds of thousands of people, and will for you as well.
Q: John, I live in a loving relationship with a slightly skeptical partner when it comes to the idea of using your techniques. We both have a common goal, though. Would the words "My subconscious mind is now my partner in success" be more potent if we both cite those words together?
Sydenham, Victoria, Australia.
A: When you are working on a goal with another person, it is always advantageous to have that person, whether he is a marital partner or a business partner, work along with you. The power of two focused on one goal magnifies it many times. However, having said this, sometimes the partner is either not willing or as you say, slightly skeptical. If this is the case, you continue to use the techniques. Ultimately we all create our own reality. And you will be able to achieve that goal even though your partner is not actively working on it. Quite often when people are skeptical about mind powers, I like to say, "Don't tell them about it, demonstrate it." Your partner, when he sees you getting success in all the different areas of your life, and sees you using it well and efficiently, will usually be quite impressed and keen to pick it up at that point. So by all means share this with your partner, and work on your goals together. However, whether you work with him or without him, the mind powers will effectively work. All the best to you both.
Q: I would like to know if there are any books for my 11-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son, books that they could read at their level. I try to explain Mind Power to them but feel a book geared to their age level would do it better. Can you give any suggestions? I feel it's important to learn this at a young age as they can apply it to so many things in their life self-esteem, school etc. Any info or suggestions would be helpful.
Lake Mary, Florida
A: The present project that I'm working on is a book specifically for children, to teach them the practices of Mind Powers. In fact, if you check in a few months to my Web site, you can read some advance chapters of the book I am working on.
You're absolutely right that self-esteem, positive thinking, feeling good about oneself, starts very early in a person's life. In fact the first five or six years are incredibly important. The good news about this is that kids pick up on the mind power principles very quickly. And if you pass on the techniques to them in a very simple way and do it with fun, they will naturally pick up on it.
I'm very excited about getting my new programs out to children and we'll certainly have things for them within this next year, as that's a segment of the population that we really want to reach. Let us change the world one child at a time. Pass on everything you can to your children. They will thrive on it.
Q: I am constantly feeling depressed, moody and grumpy. I feel as though there is no future. How can I use mind power to sort this out? Please help; I'm so miserable.
Zimbabwe
A: There is an exercise that I sometimes give to my students to help them observe their thoughts. For one week, several times a day, ask yourself these two questions: "How am I feeling? What am I thinking?" After each question, you provide the answer.
By doing this for a week you invariably come to the realization that how you feel is directly related to what you are thinking.
If, as you stated, you are constantly feeling depressed, moody and grumpy, then look within and discover the thoughts that are creating these feelings. Your misery has nothing to do with your circumstances, and everything to do with the thoughts you choose to indulge in. Don't let negative thoughts ruin your life. Take a stand and begin using Mind Power to change your thoughts. Find things to be happy about and grateful for. Give yourself a five or ten minute burst of positive thoughts each morning as you rise, and each evening before you go to sleep. As you change your thoughts about yourself and life, your moods and feelings will change correspondingly.
Q: I read your book Mind Power and I think it's wonderful. My question is: How can I change or improve somebody else's circumstances (health, finances) just by the way I think?
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
A: Each of us has our own vibration of energy, and each of us is responsible for the circumstances that surround our lives. Using Mind Power gives us an incredible tool to change and improve our life. However, to change someone else's life is another matter altogether. Ultimately each person must change him or herself. You cannot help another individual unless they choose to help themselves. Having said that, nothing is stopping you from assisting them by holding in your mind the circumstances you wish to see for them. If the individual desires change and works with Mind Power, the added benefit of your assistance can and will help, but always it starts with the individual.
Q: I have been practicing your techniques and I've found that they do work. That is why it puzzled me that, even after following all the steps religiously, I still failed my driver's license test. This left me very despondent because I expected to pass. Since then I have read your book, "Mind Power" again and though I am trying hard to stay focused, it's proving very difficult. What should I do? How do I find my way back?
South Africa
A: There will always be failure in life. You cannot succeed at everything. Mind Power will help you succeed at most things, but not all things. When you fail, move on. "How do I find my way back?" you ask. Don't go back, move on. And, by the way, you're not the first or last to fail their driver's license. My next door neighbour's wife failed the test about a dozen times before I think they were simply sick of seeing her and gave it to her to be rid of her. Not to say this is going to happen to you. In fact, I'm willing to bet you'll pass the test next time around. Don't worry if some things don't work out 100 percent. As long as the overall pattern of your life is working, you have to accept the occasional defeat.
Q: You stated in your Mind Power book that your primary financial goal was to become a millionaire. I've started visualizing and seeding that I am a millionaire. However, I read recently in your Questions & Answers something to the effect that when visualizing one should metaphorically learn how to crawl before one walks. I currently have an average job with an average income, and I am several thousand dollars in debt. While it is more plausible in my mind to double my income and be debt free than it is to become a millionaire, I haven't a clue how either would happen. In each case, I would be relying on a higher plan to unfold as I continue to visualize and seed. Is it better to continue visualizing being a millionaire, or to pick the smaller goal first of doubling my income and becoming debt free, and then afterward advance to visualizing becoming a millionaire?
Minneapolis, MN
A: You should do both. All large goals have intermediate goals that need to be met before the final outcome appears. So focus on the end result in part of your practice, and the steps needed to get there in another exercise. See the whole situation clearly, and acknowledge your success along the way with every step you achieve. You state you haven't a clue how it will happen. We seldom do know in the beginning. Get your subconscious working for you. Go to it daily for ideas, and then act upon those ideas when they come to you. Have you read my new Money, Success & You book? I have devoted a whole book to the subject of money. Click on to books and tapes to see what's available.
Q: My apologies, John, this is not really a question, but I could not find an e-mail address to contact you with. First off, I am 24 years of age and winning.
About one year ago my life was a complete mess. I was into all sorts of bad things. I didn't care about my work anymore, I was in severe financial debt and couldn't hold a steady relationship, even family relationships were on thin ice.
Then one day, I walked into the local bookstore heading for the magazine section when, suddenly, the cover of "Mind Power" caught the corner of my eye. I immediately picked it up and began reading it- something I never do, as I'm more of a magazine person. Before I knew it, I had already completed the first chapter. I was absolutely spellbound; it was brilliantly meaningful and I had to have it. Unfortunately, I could not afford it that day, but vowed to buy it in the near future.
That same evening when I arrived home, my mother came rushing up to me. She was holding "Mind Power" in her hands. "You have to read this!" she shouted, "It's amazing!" and then handed it to me. It turns out my uncle, who was a book critic for a newspaper in Durban, sent the book to my mother telling her it was a must read. My mother had spent the whole day reading it. I immediately continued reading "Mind Power" and have read it several times since then. My mother and I have spread the news to friends and family everywhere and we each now have our own treasured copy. I have also bought some of your other titles.
Today, roughly a year later, I am healthy, have moved out of the home into my own home, am a raving success at work, have plenty of cash which is well managed, and have an amazing girlfriend whom I plan to marry soon. I even feel smarter. Was this all coincidence? Mastering my mind is an eternal learning process and I refer to your book all the time, but at least now I am totally aware of the realities I create.
You have helped me save my life, John. Thank you. See you in Durban next year!
South Africa
A: Thanks for the feedback. I'm including the question as an inspiration for others to practice the techniques and make Mind Power a part of their life. I like the coincidence of you not being able to buy the book and your mother showing up with it the same day. One has to look closely and acknowledge these things. Congratulations on what you've accomplished in a year. And your life has just begun. Was it really a coincidence? I doubt it. More than likely you're creating your life just as I said you could in my book. Well done.
Q: If we all are creating our own destiny, how is it that so many coincidences happen in our life that are beyond our comprehension, let alone the fact that we cannot even think of such miracles?
Minsk, Belarus
A: The answer is very simple. Life is beyond our comprehension. There are many truths, laws and dynamics that we can only begin to imagine, and beyond that more that we cannot. It fills one with awe at what a miracle this human life experience is.
I have often said to my students that Mind Power is not the answer to life and all its mysteries, but rather a tool one uses. A very effective and powerful tool, but it does not explain or reveal the mystery of who we are, and what this life experience we are all going through is. Life is indeed filled with miracles.
Q: I was absolutely enthralled by your books Mind Power, Money Success and You, and A Vision of Power and Glory. I haven't seen any new literature from you for TEN YEARS, and when I randomly went on the Internet and tried to guess your site, it was to no avail. Then I just happened to call into a shop today and discovered you are very busy and still publishing. GREAT WORK. I still refer to Mind Power all the time. But now I'm INSPIRED again.
P.S. I saw you here in Australia at the Sydney Hilton years ago.
Coniston, NSW, Australia
A: Thanks for the feedback. I love hearing from my readers and students. Touring for twenty-five years you meet a lot of people. My two most recent books are The Practice of Happiness and Mind Power for Children. I am presently on a two-year sabbatical; however I am contributing to the website as it's always enjoyable to stay in touch with my readers.
All the best.
Q: Dear John! I'm a 40-year-old single mother and what I really, really, really want to do is to pursue a career. But when I try to visualize myself going back to school, reality always butts in and says, Oh come off it Maria, you have to WORK to support your kids!' I know that some people can work and study part-time, but if I did that I wouldn't be able to take care of my kids who are very small (ages 2 and 5). What suggestions could you give me-someone whose desires just simply aren't realistically possible? Thank you.
Portugal
A: A new life is but a new mind. There will always be numerous reasons to support whatever decision you make. If you think you can't do it, you're right. If you think you can do it, you're right as well.
There are many possibilities for how to achieve your goal of studying to make yourself a career and raise your children. What are they? I have no idea, but I know they exist because everything is possible in life if you believe in life and are prepared to follow where it leads. Your subconscious will help you every step of the way, bringing to you ideas, people, circumstances that resonate with your predominating thoughts. Don't confine yourself with "realistic possibilities." Nothing great was ever accomplished by people who were realistic. Expand yourself beyond your limitations and go for your dreams.
Life has a way of rewarding those who believe in their ability to do something extraordinary, and then follow through with action. Nothing is impossible for those that believe and act on their beliefs.
Q: I was really inspired when I read one of your books for the first time and I was truly determined to follow all of your advice about positive thinking. But the thing is, I get depressed very easily. My father committed suicide when I was little and I keep thinking the same might happen to me. I live in an unrealistic world of dreams and fantasies and whenever I have to deal with something in the real world I get severely depressed and just want to run away and hide. I think I'm hopeless. Do you think there's any way for me to get out of this vicious circle?
A: Mind Power is a practice not a philosophy. Reading my books will provide inspiration, but this will dissipate unless you practice the techniques. There is no reason to assume you will commit suicide because your father did. All of us are different; we all have different strengths and challenges and different lives to live. There is a very clear way to get out of your vicious circle, but you must want to. If you repeatedly indulge yourself with thoughts of hopelessness then hopelessness is what you will create. I say "indulge" because often that is what we do when we are feeling sorry for ourselves. So my question to you is, "Do you really want to change?" If the answer is yes, then you have found the most important website for you. All is contained within this site. Search within and practice what you learn.
Q: Addictions: how does the mind play a role, and how does someone get off an addiction using Mind Power?
South Africa
A: You will be pleased to learn that mind power works exceedingly well in assisting people to move beyond their addictions. I have personally trained hundreds of individuals in the Mind Power system who have then successfully overcome their addictions, so I know it works. Here is what I suggest you do:
1. Have a clear mental image of the person you intend to become. Spend five minutes daily seeing yourself as that person and what your life is like addiction-free.
2. Affirm to yourself daily that you have the will and the desire to live that life.
3. Find activities and friends that support this new lifestyle.
4. Imagine your new successful life and all the people who benefit from you being addiction free - your family, children, parents, friends. Resolve daily to do it for them. Your success in being addiction-free helps them, so you do it for them as well as yourself.
5. Read the Mind Power book daily, practicing all the techniques. Refer to this website daily and incorporate the teachings into your practice.
6. Resolve to be addiction-free day by day. Focus on it daily.
7. Trust that the new people and circumstances you will encounter will be of benefit to you.
Follow these seven steps and I guarantee you, you will have the power and ability to be addiction-free.
Q: I am in my mid-30s and have just started working through your book. I have always had a low opinion of myself and really lack self-confidence. I have a great partner who puts up with all my misgivings. I have just started working for myself in finance and am struggling with results and therefore losing money rapidly. I lack dynamism but want to be able to sell with enthusiasm and conviction. My boss will soon lose patience, and in the meantime I am placing pressure on my relationship with no income. Is there any advice you could offer me as to how to best get my mind working for me when it has always worked against me. Look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thanks.
Australia
A: Your subconscious mind can only work with the material you feed it through the thoughts you daily entertain. So let's see what material you're giving it: "I have a low opinion of myself," "I lack self confidence," "I lack dynamism," "My mind always works against me." Great material you're giving your subconscious there. I think I can accurately predict where you are heading unless you change your thinking.
Your mind has done a wonderful job of creating your reality. Why are you blaming it? It is creating exactly what you are projecting. You have been using Mind Power in reverse and it has worked.
So what is my advice? Start practicing what I preach. A new life is but a new mind. Change your thinking. You have the book. You have this website and all the past monthly topics. You have everything you need to create a new life. Now do it!
Q: I've been reading your books and following your site for about a year now. I am very much interested in mind power. My positive thoughts bring negative results, and negative thoughts bring negative results as well. How do I change that? I appreciate all the books you have written and this website.
Abbotsford, Canada
A: Your overall pattern of thinking is undoubtedly negative if you continue to receive negative results. Our life ALWAYS reflects the patterns and images that resonate within both consciously and subconsciously. Mind Power gives you techniques to monitor and change your thinking. So the question becomes why is it not working for you? Are you just reading the books and website and not practicing the techniques? Do you practice for a few days and then go back to your old ways of thinking? Do you chart yourself and your practice daily, monitoring yourself that way? Or is it all just intellectual information for you? It is impossible to practice Mind Power daily for three months (let alone for a year) without seeing noticeable changes. As inspiring and informative as this information is, it is of little value unless practiced. So what's up? If you answer these questions honestly you should have your answer.