That is not true.
That is not true.
When you encounter something new in your life do you jump at the chance? Dive in deep? Take the plunge with nary a concern? If so, then I need to learn from you. I’ve noticed that building birdhouses is a metaphor for my life in many ways. For example, when I get a new commission, I say to myself, “Self, this one is going to do you in. This is more than you can handle. This is the one that’s going to trip you up.” Now, why would my mind say such craziness? It didn’t even give me a chance! I could understand if it said, “Woah! This is going to be a real doozy!” or even “Hang onto your hat, folks!”, but instead it chooses to retreat to the corner of the room called Fear and execute a duck-and-cover.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot, trying to understand how to turn this hesitancy into action. It’s very difficult, after all, to begin a project with a weak and fearful spirit. Time to turn this around!
So, here are the results of my ruminations:
1) The mind believes it is in control. It believes it is the be all and end all, the supreme being and sustainer of life. I think, however, that it’s a petulant child accustomed to getting its way. I think it needs a spanking.
2) The mind can be spanked. Yep, you heard it here first. The mind can be beaten into submission. Or molded if you prefer. When we take the time to pay close attention to what our minds are telling us we find that the mind is a prolific liar. I know. Harsh words. But for real, I am NOT stupid, I am NOT fat, and I am NOT going to put my eye out! So, I have taken to telling my mind, straight up, “That is not true.”
“Your neighbor is going to be upset that you haven’t mowed your lawn.”
“That is not true.”
“You are accident-prone.”
“That is not true.”
“You’re going to get fired because you were late to that meeting.”
“That is not true.”
“Gracie cat is a mean jellybean.”
“That is not…well, ok.”
3) The mind can also be revised. The mind is actually a very powerful tool and can be your greatest fan or your harshest critic. Why not train it to say what you want to hear?
“Your neighbor is going to be upset that you haven’t mowed your lawn.”
“That is not true. My neighbor is kind and knows I keep my lawn looking great.”
“You are accident-prone.”
“That is not true. I always work slowly, carefully and safely.”
“You’re going to get fired because you were late to that meeting.”
“That is not true. I am a valued part of the team.”
“Gracie cat is a mean jellybean.”
*recognizes limits*
Even if you half believe what it’s telling you, you can still revise it to the story you want to write:
“This one is going to do you in. This is more than you can handle. This is the one that’s going to trip you up.”
“That is not true. I am a skilled designer and exceptional at my craft. This is going to be a breeze!”
Now, YOU say it! “That is not true!”
Mooji “This is not true” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soi4ivYEYKM
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these [emphasis added] things.” Philippians 4:8
Photo credit: https://www.pexels.com/@karolina-grabowska
