Q: Years ago, when I first became interested in the physiological workings of the mind, I read a great amount of literature from various authors. These books elaborated on anything from brain physiology, self-hypnotism, current brain research projects, various
meditation techniques, self-healing, etc. - pretty much any information I could find on the subject. I started training my mind in basic self-awareness meditation techniques and I interestingly noticed a variety of side-effects. For instance, I became very receptive to
sounds (change in taste of music) almost instantly. I also noticed a change in my dreaming patterns, as well as my sense of smell. It almost felt like a sixth sense within me had developed.
I have had extremely strong premonitions since I was a child and I noticed that the better I became at meditating, the deeper I would become enveloped in them. I felt I was experiencing visionary meditation because I wasn't imagining pictures...it was as if I was watching them on a big screen playing in front of my eyes, completely out of my control. I also experienced a sensation of slipping away into my meditations.
Well, to say the least, it kind of spooked me and I stopped for a while, until I bought your book and it reminded me of all the information I had forgotten. I practice what you preach every day of my life. I'm a firm believer in mind power as I have witnessed the benefits of faith and positive thinking. It has brought me much good fortune and riches of the soul...but what of my meditation techniques? Am I dabbling in something I shouldn't?
Canada
A: Each person must decide for themselves whether what they are doing is "too much" or "going too far." Some people would be ecstatic to get the results you mention, while others feel spooked. Are you "dabbling" in something you shouldn't? Absolutely not. Everything about us is holy and sacred and for us to explore. It shouldn't surprise you or any student of mind powers that, as Shakespeare said, "There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of by mere mortal men." We are just begging to unlock the doors to incredible perceptions, experiences and powers. Trust your own judgment on this.
Q: Have you ever worked with hypnosis? I am using some of your phrases with clients under hypnosis such as, 'Every day in every way I get better and better.' They love it.
Dallas, Texas
A: I personally have not worked with hypnosis but many people do, often with excellent results. I'm glad you're using some of these phrases and finding them valuable. The affirmation, "Every day in every way I'm getting better and better" is one of my favorites. It's so gentle and easy to accept and imprint. Lots of people get results with it in all areas of their life. Keep up the good work.
Q: I was lucky to come across "Mind Power" while visiting New York. I've read it with great interest. I have two questions to ask you. Where do I find more books/tapes on Mind Power? Will you visit Amsterdam in the near future?
Amsterdam, Holland
A: I love Amsterdam and have been there many times but never to lecture. Perhaps I should. So many of the Dutch speak excellent English. Always check my tour schedule on the web site. Unfortunately I can't get to everywhere. Secondly, I have a whole range of books and tapes available. If you loved Mind Power you'll also gain a lot of value from these as well.
Q: I've heard that if you change your thoughts you change your life, but how do you rise out of financial hardship when it seems too hard to hold on to prosperity thoughts for long because of the stress?
Asheville, NC, USA
A: The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. When working with Mind Power it is the beginning steps that are always the hardest. Often in the first few days we feel that we can't do it. It's too hard. It won't make a difference. Things are hopeless. We must ignore these thoughts and find the fifteen or twenty minutes a day to practice. Luckily Mind Power works quickly. You will begin to feel a change in attitude within the first week or so. Also the exercises will help to relieve your stress, as you will not feel stressed while you're doing your exercises. I wish you lots of success and financial abundance.
Q: Since being laid off last year I have been freelancing to support myself and have been working on a personal project that I would eventually like to pursue full time. However, I need to keep working and am tired of freelancing. I have a specific job I would like at any one of four places and feel I have the qualifications. During visualizations should I focus on one of the four places where there may be an immediate opportunity? Should I see myself actually doing the job I want? Or should I picture myself going through the interview process and getting the job? Also, should I visualize my more long-term project coming to fruition simultaneously, or should I have a separate visualization for it?
New York, NY
A: Firstly keep your long-term project and your desired full-time job as separate visualizations. Since the long-term project will come later than your full-time job, I would suggest you spend time working on the full-time job. You can vary your visualizations but keep them on the theme of the full-time job. See yourself having the job, doing it, being good at it, feeling fulfilled by it. Make it real; lose yourself in it. Keep it generic enough that it could be any one of the four places. Also start an acknowledging list on why you are perfect for this position, thereby building up your confidence and success vibration. When you get the interview, switch your visualization to having a great interview. I wish you every success, and stay in touch.
Q: I was lucky to come across your book Mind Power while visiting New York. I've read it with great interest. I have several questions. Where do I find more books/tapes on Mind Power? Will you visit Amsterdam in the near future? My other question is the following: While doing visualizations (for three weeks now) to have my biggest dream come true (to make the documentary I am working on), I run against problems of concentration. There is just too much going on in my mind. I would like to see my mind and my life less chaotic and more directional. I am worried that I can't do so many different affirmations at the same time - the documentary, the concentration, a different affirmations, and I'm also looking for a house. Isn't that too much of a Santa Claus list? Do you have suggestions for me to get more organized? Thank you.
Amsterdam, Holland
A: I like your description, "a Santa Claus list." There is a saying in Mind Power, "You crawl before you walk; you walk before you run." In other words don't try to do too many things at once. If you try to accomplish everything on your wish list simultaneously, you will disperse your energy in too many directions. Pick one or two areas to work on and focus your energy on these. Once you have accomplished them and seen results you will have greater confidence and power. Prioritize your goals. Which are more important to you? You can accomplish everything you desire, but you can't do it all in the first six months.
Q: I've heard about the brain's "alpha level." How can one learn to enter this level?
Zimbabwe
A: The alpha level is quite simply the state your mind is in when it is relaxed. It is always a good idea to relax your mind before you do your Mind Power exercises. You can easily enter this level through one of three ways:
1. Meditation.
2. Doing several minutes of deep, relaxing breathing, slowing your breath. When you slow your breath, your mind also relaxes.
3. Repeating the affirmation, "I feel calm and relaxed" for several minutes. All these methods will help you enter the alpha level.
Q: I have begun the exercises and wanted to know if being interrupted in the middle of a session or falling asleep while visualizing (not completing the full 5 minutes) means that I must start over from day one?
Kennesaw, GA
A: No, you don't have to start over from day one. Every exercise you do builds momentum and has its effect on your energy. It's only natural that sometimes we will get interrupted in the middle of a session or fall asleep.
However, if this happens regularly, you should ask yourself why this is happening. Am I scheduling my exercises at a time when interruptions happen? Am I doing my exercises too late at night? I always advise students to find a time that feels appropriate to them. Morning, afternoon, evening it doesn't really matter. Try to avoid late evenings. If you wait till you're lying in bed exhausted from the day's activities, you will probably fall asleep. I hope this helps.