Focused Thinking Reveals Much

Finally, brothers and sisters, 

whatever is true, 

whatever is worthy of respect, 

whatever is just, 

whatever is pure, 

whatever is lovely, 

whatever is commendable, 

if something is excellent or praiseworthy, 

think about these things.

~Philippians 4:8

 

Ever lost your train of thought?  Ever been so distracted that you forgot something important?  Ever tried to concentrate but found your mind wandering toward everything BUT what you needed to concentrate on? I have and still do.  Thinking is not as easy as it sounds.

 

Believe it or not, many people choose not to think!  They merely flow through their day following a stream of consciousness that is filled with rocks, rapids, clogs of stuff, and never seeming to stay on a thought for long.  Why is that?  Our society is one of speed and movement.  It is a visual society.  We no longer have time to read anything completely, much less study it, because we might miss the next fad or trend.  And as a result, we are quickly losing the ability to focus our thoughts and we are left to wonder why we are so stressed and exhausted.  

 

I consider myself to be a contemplative because I like to think!  I like to take time to think things through and try to perceive as many sides of a thought as possible.  I may have large ears but I am not Yoda, I'm just someone who likes to think.  I can sit and think for hours on end.  

 

Want to know why you are stressed and anxious? Take a look at what you allow into your mind. 

 

Want to know why you have trouble with relationships? What do you fill your mind with?

 

Want to know why you didn't get the promotion you wanted or thought you deserved?  Think it through and see if, perhaps, your skills are needed where you are.

 

You see, that with which we choose to fill our minds will impact every single aspect of our lives.  People who are hateful think hateful thoughts and allow others to fill their minds with hateful things.  Those who are cheerful fill their minds with positive thoughts and only allow positive thoughts into their minds (and have learned to look at what could be a negative situation and choose to look at it in a positive way).  

 

The philosopher, Rene Descartes, is credited with saying: "Cogito ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am). We tend to become what we choose to fill our minds with.  By changing the way we think, we change the way we view the world around us.  And perceptions are very contagious, so make sure yours it one worth catching!