James Allen on How Your Thoughts Decide Your Destiny (and why you should not help the weak...sort of)
“Man is a growth by law, and not a creation by artifice, and cause and effect is as absolute and undeviating in the hidden realm of thought as in the world of visible and material things. A noble and Godlike character is not a thing of favour or chance, but is the natural result of continued effort in right thinking, the effect of long-cherished association with Godlike thoughts. An ignoble and bestial character, by the same process, is the result of the continued harbouring of grovelling thoughts.”
Where you are and what you feel is the product of your thoughts. In fact, everything is a product of what you’re thinking.
I’m a believer in feeding the mind daily. I’ve been enjoying feeding mine with quotes from James Allen’s, As A Man Thinketh.
One quote that stood out to me was the following:
“A strong man cannot help a weaker unless the weaker is willing to be helped, and even then the weak man must become strong of himself; he must, by his own efforts, develop the strength which he admires in another. None but himself can alter his condition.”
How often have we succumbed to the notion that we need to help people? When in fact, the person that needs help, first and foremost, is you.
I like to think of the airplane analogy: you must place the oxygen mask on yourself before you help others. When you place your needs — and they are needs, ones that need to be filled — ahead of others, you are more suited, in the long run, to make better decisions.
It sounds selfish, but if no one else is going to tell you, I will: start taking care of your self. As Austin Kleon so eloquently put it — keep going and take care of yourself.
I sincerely hope you’re keeping safe during COVID-19. There is no better time than now to take a raincheck and evaluate where you need to improve.
Much love,
Josh.
The conversation features Patrick Belem—a filmmaker, musician, and spiritual seeker—who offers an authentic perspective on plant medicine. Patrick co-directed the film 'Eskawata Kayawai,' which explores the culture and traditions of the Huni Kuin people in Brazil. The discussion touches on the film's depiction of the revival of the Huni Kuin culture, the intricacies of ayahuasca ceremonies, and the importance of honoring indigenous practices. Patrick shares his journey into spirituality influenced by his upbringing in a culturally diverse Brazilian family and his transformative experiences with ayahuasca. The conversation also covers the need for proper context and respect when engaging with plant medicine and the potential pitfalls of cultural appropriation. The episode ends with reflections on the integration of plant medicine experiences into daily life and Patrick’s insights into his personal and artistic growth.