Watch your thinking for a day, and you'll discover how much time you're spending with thoughts that are contrary to health and harmony. I determined to do this recently. What I allowed into my consciousness to stay for a while was a surprise to me.
For example, I found I was preoccupied at times with what some neighbors were doing; with feelings of rejection because some individuals had treated me rudely and unfairly; and with some critical and angry thoughts about much of the nightly television news.
When we allow such thoughts, or thoughts of disease and pain, to occupy our consciousness, it's no wonder we might feel out of sorts. How can we stop such thoughts from trespassing into our consciousness, taking up space, and making us feel curious, irritable, hurt by others' actions or assertions, even afraid? Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy offers a perfect antidote in this counsel: "Stand porter at the door of thought. Admitting only such conclusions as you wish realized in bodily results, you will control yourself harmoniously." Science and Health, p. 392
