03.12.07
Self Control Begins with Mind Control
“Evil thoughts are also a sign of illness. Let us, therefore, guard ourselves against evil thoughts.”
–Mohandas Gandhi
In our culture, we prioritize our actions over our thoughts. We rightly believe in freedom of thought and speech and do not want to limit these liberties. This is good, but if we want to control our own actions, we best start by learning to control our minds. For it is from our minds and thoughts that our actions arise.
How best to control our minds? I have found the technique of “Walking with the Sages” extremely useful. Watch or read my speech to learn more about it.
• The apostle John stressed the importance of our thoughts when he wrote, “Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer” (1 John 3:15). He saw the importance of controlling our thoughts before they become negative actions. In what ways would having more control over your thoughts help you avoid your pitfalls in life?
• Buddhists try to control their thoughts by cultivating equanimity through meditation. Christians try to cultivate love, patience, and compassion in an effort to control their thoughts. What strategies work best to aid you in controlling your own thoughts?
This text was written in 2007 by Freeman Wicklund of FreemanWicklund.org, and it may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any e-zine, e-mail, newsletter or blog as long as this sentence and Web link are included.