8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Phil. 4:8-9 ESV)
My Beloved,
Don’t underestimate the power of pondering. Nothing impacts what you do more than what you think. If you want to change the way your feet are walking, change the stuff your mind is savoring. If it goes in through your eyes or ears, it’s going to come out on your lips or hands.
The books and magazines you read. The daydreams you nurture. The movies and shows you watch. The worries to which you regularly return. The music to which you listen. The websites you browse. It all affects your course. Every word. Every note. Every image.
So if you want to practice good things, ponder good things. Evaluate everything that makes its way to your mind. Is it true? Honorable? Just? Pure? Lovely? Commendable? Will it enrich you in some way? Will it deepen you in some way? Will it lead to positive practice? Or negative?
A mind truly is a terrible thing to waste. Don’t waste yours. Don’t fill it with junk. Don’t let it chew on words, music, images or thoughts that are, at worst, garbage, and, at best, fast food.
Give your mind the most excellent literature out there, the truest and most inspiring music available, the most hopeful thoughts you can, and the most lovliest images that exist.
Stroll through a blossoming botanical garden. Glide through a great museum. Listen to an entire album of music produced and performed at its highest and best. Read the most noble and noteworthy novel from cover to cover. And then read it again.
If you want to practice good things, ponder good things.
Now, go on. Mind yourself.
Blessings be upon you,
Spirit
