The Mind Gym (Unit 4)

The concept of working out to achieve a higher level of performance is not a new concept at all.  People do it all over the world.  They have been doing it for thousands of years with continue to do it.  I have recently gotten back into running.  Last week I was at 3 miles in 29 minutes.  This week was a little faster, I had a little more breath and a little less cramps!  I have no doubt that I will continue to get better every week as long as I train everyday and set myself up for success.  Why then, do we not automatically apply this concept to our non-physical beings?

The concept of a mental workout is not a new on either.  If the mind is used, focused, channeled, into certain types of thinking, it becomes a habit.  We condition the mind to think as such and our behaviors mirror our thoughts.  Therefore, if we change our thoughts, we change our actions and behaviors.  This concept is lived by in much of the Western World.  In the East however, we are just starting to question our ways and apply this concept in an attempt to obtain the balance we have lost.

The research behind mental workouts is astonishing.  It has been shown that our thoughts and emotions are directly and scientifically related to our level of functioning, our ability to cope with everyday stressors and the mind's ability to organize its self and it's thoughts.  Scientifically, the gamma-waves in the brain have been monitored during positive thoughts of loving-kindness, compassion and acceptance and they have been found to organize themselves into synchronization during these thoughts at a higher rate than they do when the subject contemplates fear, hate or anxiety.

The findings are such that we must conclude that good and positive thoughts, practiced on a regular basis, will lead us to a higher level of understanding and peace for the world and the people around us.  To start today, we merely have to stop and think!  Relax and think about positive things, peace, love kindness, joy and when we are ready, we send those thoughts to specific places.  We can send them inside, to ourselves.  We can send them to family and friends and to people we have never met.  Ultimately, we can send them to our enemies and in doing so we share love, hope and peace. 

We improve ourselves as human beings while simultaneously and scientifically improving the world.  And all of this is free, available anytime, no prescriptions necessary.  If you were born a human being, you have this unique and precious opportunity to intentionally use the power of the mind.  The possibilities are endless.