I became aware of the power of thinking as a teenager, when I read the book my grandfather had given me, As A Man Thinketh, by James Allen. These words jumped out:
“Thoughts are things. Thoughts are things that have effects. There are no idle thoughts.”
At the time I did not have the experience to validate these ideas but something inside me knew they were true. I had two reactions: the first was one of elation – I had control, I could see a way to live life on my terms, but–and almost simultaneously–I thought, “Oh shit, there’s no one to blame.” I was fully responsible and accountable to me for my life. I held the one power that would liberate or imprison: the power to consciously choose what I thought and, therefore, its effects. I had the power of decision.
What I’ve learned over the last 40years is that knowing this truth is one thing, living this truth is another. The work involves becoming aware of one’s thinking and then making the connection to the feeling evoked. A thought’s effect is a feeling. For me the bottom line is whether I am peaceful or not. If not, I’m willing to look at the thought and question it so that another, kinder thought can present itself. The more emotionally charged, the better, because it becomes obvious I’m invested in this thought, in other words, I believe it.
Thoughts are things with effects only when we attach to them. Up until this point a thought is like a cloud floating by in the sky. As I attach to, or believe a thought, I use my power of decision to make it true for me. Our lives play out all the thoughts we believe. If we want to change our lives we must look at what we believe. We must bring what’s in the dark to the light of examination, otherwise we’re putting lipstick on a pig – treating symptoms and not root causes.
This is an ongoing process. The more vigilant I am the more I am rewarded. Initially I was motivated only to get away from mental and emotional pain that seemed to imprison me. Today I’m no longer running from pain, I’m more motivated by the positive results I’ve experienced. Making the connection between what I’m thinking and how I’m feeling is no longer a theory: it’s my daily work. It’s the foundation of my spiritual practice. It has empowered and freed me to live authentically and joyfully. Here are some of my core beliefs:
- There are no bad people, only misguided ones. I had a manager in IBM that used to call people “WOFS.” When I asked what this meant he said, “Wastes of flesh.” I was mortified. I couldn’t comprehend looking at others that way. I’d hear folks say, “That’s a bad person,” and I’d cringe. It’s like a death sentence. It’s a final judgment. My experience has taught me that many people want to do the right thing but simply don’t know how. Their thinking has misguided them. Since thinking can be changed, they are not condemned to their present state of mind and its consequences. They are not inherently broken. Perhaps as you read this someone you know comes to mind; I’ve no doubt you’ve witnessed others’ turnarounds or have had one of your own.
- I always have what I need when I need it. This belief grounds me in the present moment when fears of the future grip me. It’s more than a statement about having material things. I know that if I can quiet my mind in the middle of the chaos, ask for guidance, and listen, I will be answered. The very act of doing this brings peace to my mind. I find that quieting my mind is the only need I really have. When calm and centered, my thinking becomes clearer, uncluttered by fear, and a trusted resource to provide direction regardless of the situation.
- Everything happens for me, not to me. My study and practice of A Course in Miracles has taught me to look at my life as a classroom. Every person, every circumstance, every event provides an opportunity to see truly, to see without judgment, to see with love. The difficulties life presents are lessons to strengthen spiritual vision, to go beyond the five senses and surrender to a deeper knowing within. When I review my life it’s obvious to me that I would not be the person I am today without my experiences. I now look upon people I once believed hurt me as angels because they challenged me to dig deep. Every difficulty, when viewed in retrospect and with a willingness to see it truly, has proved to be a steppingstone and a gift.
My life today is much simpler. The problem, regardless of its form, is always in the way I’m thinking. Whenever my mind is not at peace it is because I am harboring unloving thoughts, and that is an attack on myself. I don’t like to suffer and, gratefully, I’ve learned I don’t have to.
Marguerite LaDue
Feb 2017
Gary says
You have arrived! 🙂 Keep taking it to the next level.
Marguerite LaDue says
Thank you Gary! I so appreciate you reading and your unwavering support. I’m enjoying challenging myself to get what’s rattling around in my mind out on paper in the simplest, clearest way possible. Not always easy but always fun!
Malvina Simon says
This is a wonderfully written article Marguerite, with very clear explanation of your belief system and how to incorporate it in daily living. Thank you!
Marguerite LaDue says
Thank you Malvina! I’m so glad you found it clear and practical! That is what I aim for whenever I open up and share what I think and feel and do. The path hasn’t always been easy but it has been effective and it’s the results that matter. Love to you and your journey. xoxoxo
Dave says
I very much hope that you will keep up your meaningful writings. They are, for me, quite unique and I greatly enjoy them.
Marguerite LaDue says
Dave! What a pleasant surprise to see that you are reading and enjoying my writing! Thank you so much for taking the time to write and tell me. I’m so happy that you find them meaningful. It’s my way of solidifying what I’m learning. Writing helps me to really know that I understand what I’m experiencing. If I can’t say it simply for others then I really haven’t gotten it! Hope to see you out and about town soon. And thank you again.
Juliette Andrews says
This is a most wonderful read. I thank you for it. Blessings on you dear Marguerite Thinking of you. Juliette Andrews
Marguerite LaDue says
Juliette you’re always so kind. Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed this blog. I enjoyed writing it – it’s one I’ve been mulling over for awhile. xoxo
Cristin says
Beautiful. Thank you. An important reminder for me right now. Glad to have read it.
Marguerite LaDue says
Cristin glad this was timely for you – funny how that works aye? :-)) We have the power – we all do – it’s just that most of us aren’t aware of it or how to use it effectively. So happy I could help in this regard. I love you xoxoxo
Donna Colfer says
Great article! Nice reminder of our power within. Thank you!
Marguerite LaDue says
You are most welcome my dear Donna! I find I need to remind myself through out the day every day! HA! It’s so simple yet not easy. Grateful for you my dear friend. xoxoxo
Jay says
How beautifully said, Marquerite! My grandmother had the same book!! It was written in 1902. On her dresser was a little copy of the bible verse Proverbs 27:3 ” As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is. ” Like you, I always felt the truth of this but it has taken a lifetime to begin to embody and live it. Yes, minding our thoughts is THE spiritual practice at the root of all others and , of course, we are never done! My grandmother and I were close, especially as she fearlessly neared her death, and I can see so clearly now how she modeled this for me in so many ways. Thanks for the lovely reminder!
Marguerite LaDue says
Jay thank you for sharing about your grandmother. It’s something how simple things stay with us and, more importantly, how profound a demonstration of truth in action can be. Your grandmother clearly taught you well and you were receptive enough to “get it.” She lives on in you and how you are in the world – thoughtful, conscious, courageous, loving, kind. I love you my dear soul sista and angel friend. xoxoxo
Sabrina Tanner says
Great thoughts for the day and the future. Really inspirational and insightful! Thank you for sharing!
Marguerite LaDue says
Beautiful Sabrina you inspire me – how you’ve handled and continue to handle difficult situations with love and understanding. Keep shining my dear friend. I love you. xoxoxo
Matisun says
Wow! Powerful and so eloquently put! Gets to the heart of the matter and puts the power back in our hands to lead us out of victim consciousness. Thank you for these insightful, beautiful and powerful blogs! You shine!
Marguerite LaDue says
Wonderful! So glad you like sista-face :-)) Yes the power is in our hands and no one else’s. Course sometimes it seems so much easier to simply blame someone else but who the heck really wants to be powerless???? Been there. Done that. I love you xoxoxoxo
Keith says
Again very nicely written one of my favorites!
XXXOOO keith
Marguerite LaDue says
You’re so sweet! Glad you like. It’s one of my favorites too 🙂 xoxoxo