Self-mastery

Begin by mastering your thoughts

January 6th 2024
The secret of self-mastery lies in a very simple rule: do not allow certain thoughts and feelings to take hold in your head or your heart, for it is then too late to stop their effects. It is relatively easy to replace one thought with another; it is more difficult to replace one feeling with another; and to replace one kind of act with another is more difficult still.
This is because the further we descend into matter, the deeper we sink into the realm of instincts and habits, which are second nature to us. It is easier to change our scientific, philosophical or religious opinions (we sometimes change them in a heartbeat) than to change our hatred, love, affection or desires. And it is even harder to change our habits, which are deeply entrenched in matter. If you are to gain mastery over your actions, you must begin by gaining mastery over your thoughts.*
* Related reading:
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