Sunday 19 August 2012

An Uncultivated Mind

I have not done much reading of late and the books I am supposed to be reading in my side bar have not been picked up and looked at for months.  Today I was excited to discover a new (to me) author by the name of James Allen (1864-1912).  He wrote one of the original self help books called 'As a Man Thinketh' and you can read the book on line here.

He talks of how the mind can be likened to a garden in this paragraph:

 A man's mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild; but whether cultivated or neglected, it must, and will, bring forth. If no useful seeds are put into it, then an abundance of useless weed seeds will fall therein, and will continue to produce their kind.

I think I will take heed of this message!  I will weed out the neglected areas of my mind and put some useful seeds into it.  I will start by reading 'As a Man Thinketh'.  It is so hard to believe that his wise words were written so many years ago and yet are still relevant today.

8 comments:

  1. Hope it proves helpful. Don't forget that a natural looking garden with a few pretty weeds in it looks and feels so much better than a regimented striped lawn sort of garden so don't weed out too much!!

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  2. I agree with Jane, leave in a few weeds!
    As they say 'everything in moderation'!
    Vivienne x

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  3. Hi Simone,
    Just stopping by to say hello!
    Very wise words here - I think I need to put some useful seeds into my mind, too!
    Let us know how you like this book, and have a lovely week! xx

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  4. It sounds a fascinating book, Simone. I hope you enjoy reading the author's wise words and that they will help put things into perspective for you:)

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  5. Isn't it amazing how an idea presents itself just as we need it. I think the metaphor of comparing a mind and a garden is an apt one. Thanks for sharing it. I'll carry that mental image with me through the week.
    The weather here in the midwest is exceptionally sweet today after the summer we've had. I hope you are experiencing the same. Sending love.

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  6. Hi there - glad you have found something that has spoken to you just when you need it. Everything around us and in our homes, even a book, began as a thought and I find that totally inspiring. Our own personalities and who we are and have become also began with our thoughts. Over time our thoughts can change us just as we can change our thoughts - 'you are what you think about' is certainly very true. Enjoy your book.

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