During the course of a day, many reports about life come across our mental doorstep. These varying “reports” pop up regularly in conversation and correspondence, on the news, and as our own thinking.
Some are good and life-affirming. But what about the reports that “rock our world”? Have you ever noticed the universal response to these? Initially it’s one of total denial. Upon hearing a piece of bad news, there’s often the immediate response: “Oh no, that can’t be true,” or “I don’t believe it.” These are such prompt and common responses. They are universal and innate. As such, can we conclude that man is made by divine design to deny—and utterly reject—as any part of his experience that which is not a blessing? Not of God, good?
To maintain equanimity and poise—a consistent level of harmony and success—we can’t be a casual observer of life and we can’t sleepwalk through existence. Alertness and acuity are required. Each thought must be held up to scrutiny and given some kind of attention. We might begin by asking these questions: “Is this thought true or false?” “On what basis do I accept or reject it as a fact, suggestion, rumor, or temptation?” “Is this thought a material hypothesis based on the limited estimate of the so-called five physical senses, or does the thought accurately portray a fact about perfect and eternal life?” “Does God, divine Love, require me to think this thought?” “Does it tell me more of who I am? More of my rights, privileges, and authority as a child of God?” “Does this thought have a spiritual place in the metaphysical logic and prayer that result in progress and healing?”
