A Mind of Your Own. Betty Shine

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ

      CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM can plant a seed that, when nurtured, can bring about a transformation in our chosen career or hobbies. But negative criticism creates an aura of bitterness and resentment that can linger with us for ever. This is unforgivable, and can lead only to unhappiness and despair.

      I have seen mediocre performances in the theatre blossom when sympathetic criticism had been given. The fact that someone cared had lifted the spirit and fired the imagination.

       Visualisation: Having joined an advanced art class, you have just finished a picture and are sitting back trying to judge it objectively. Along comes the teacher, who takes one look and tells you that, in his opinion, it is a mess. He suggests that you tear it up and start again with a clean canvas. Totally humiliated, you try to do as he asks, but the hurt is deep and your mind is clouded. You are now incapable of the most simple task. You leave – with your painting.

       You join a new art class. When the teacher looks at the painting, he tells you that he is most impressed with the unique way in which you use your imagination. He suggests that perhaps with a little discipline it could be so much better. You are inspired by his words and, after studying the picture, can see how creative his suggestions could be. As the images flow through your mind your brush works at the canvas and you know that something wonderful is going to happen. What a change those few words have made – so different from the first negative experience.

       In this exercise, the reason for taking the picture away from the first class is to show that someone might eventually see your creation as a work of art. In this life, everything is so subjective.

       You can change this exercise to suit your own career or hobby. The imagination has no boundaries and is the life-blood for the genius.

       Whilst you were visualising, you could probably feel the pain and the joy caused by the contrasting criticisms. Remember that feeling when you are about to criticise others.

       Affirmation: I am open to constructive criticism, but closed to negativity.

38

       Crying

       When we are born we cry that we are come To this great stage of fools.

      WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

      1564–1616

      CRYING IS THE MOST therapeutic thing that you can do. That is, unless you allow it to go on too long, when it will result in headaches, swollen sinuses, red nose and an unattractive appearance. If the cause of your despair is tragic, then continue to cleanse your soul, for that is what crying is – a cleansing of the soul.

      Scientists have found that tears contain a harmful chemical which can lead to a build up of toxins in the body, so releasing them can cleanse the body too. Crying is a healing process.

       Visualisation: It has been a hot summer. Everywhere you look dust has settled on the trees, bushes and flowers, their dusty leaves limp and lifeless. Roads are covered in dirt which is thrown up into the air by every passing car. The air is polluted.

       In the distance you hear the crash of thunder, and lightning flashes across the sky, and as big drops of rain begin to fall you glance out of the window. The landscape is being transformed. Trees are glistening with raindrops, bushes have an iridescent glow and the colours of the flowers are being restored to their natural glory.

       As you cry, imagine this cleansing taking place within your body and mind. Get rid of the chemicals and glow within.

       Affirmation: Cry – cleanse – heal.

39

       Cults

       Don’t let us make imaginary evils, when you know we have so many real ones to encounter.

      OLIVER GOLDSMITH

      1730–1774

      THE TYPE OF PERSON who runs a cult is one who is addicted to controlling others. Such people come in many guises, so beware. It is so easy, especially if you are lonely, to be attracted to a person or group of people who, on the surface, appear to be kind and helpful. But if there is any indication of any sinister aspects to their personality – get out. It is much better to be safe than sorry. Never make excuses for them, but remember, they want to control you and will seduce you with attractive promises.

      Those who also practise black magic tend to have very short unhappy lives and unpleasant deaths, because they are attracting negative energies all the time, which they cannot escape and which will eventually destroy them. Remember, energy attracts like to like, so avoid the dark path at all costs.

       Visualisation: You find yourself in a meadow. Looking up at the sky you can see low black clouds rolling towards you, threatening to engulf you. With one hand, make the sign of the cross in the air. The wind changes and the black clouds recede and a brilliant shaft of sunlight lights up your whole being. YOU HAVE CHOSEN WELL.

       Affirmation: I will always look for the light in my life.

40

       Danger

       Danger, the spur of all great minds.

      GEORGE CHAPMAN

      c. 1559–1634

      CHILDREN LOVE DANGER. Most of them court it because it is exciting. Out of sight of their parents they do all the dangerous things that adults have warned them not to do. Some children never grow up and as adults still seek out the danger in life. If the results are positive and eventually turn them into responsible human beings with a touch of the child within, then it is fine. But so many are irresponsible and leave others to pick up the pieces. If you fall into the latter category, read on.

       Visualisation: You are sitting in the middle of a field, enjoying a family picnic when you decide to climb an old oak tree. The family urge you not to do it. The children say you are too old, which spurs you on even more. Your wife says nothing. But for one split second, as you look at her, you see for the first time the misery behind the façade, and you know that you have been the cause of all the unhappiness. You climb down and sit beside her, and say, ‘I have just realised that I don’t have to prove anything.’ Her eyes look questioningly at you. ‘Because,’ you reply, ‘you have achieved more in your life than I have with my stupid escapades.’ She begins to cry. You make her a promise that from that moment on you will think only of her and try to erase the bad memories.

       Affirmation: I must be responsible for my own actions and think of others whilst so doing.

СКАЧАТЬ