Success vs. Joy
- VI -
Demons in the Mind
Exactly what is it that prevents a person from focusing on that which he or she wishes to pursue the most? The enemies of focus are the demons in the mind. These demons are usually self-created and they result in a breakdown of the alignment of one’s mind, body, and spirit. It is only after one understands how these demons come into being that one can start the process of pushing them aside, if not destroying them altogether.
While playing a game such as golf or billiards, a player needs to focus and concentrate on aligning his mind, body, and spirit. He cannot let his attention waver. He cannot afford to be distracted by extraneous elements. Instead of concentrating on the stroke, a player could be wondering, “you know my tee-off was not very good.” The very thought of anything other than the immediate task can manifest itself into a new demon in the mind of the player.
These demons are negative thoughts that keep recurring, disruptive ideas that haunt you. The more you ruminate, chances are that they will overwhelm you and destroy your concentration when you need it the most. It is vital to be able to control the thoughts that race through your mind.
To become a master of your mind, you have to learn the art and the science of discarding that which is negative, the demon that destroys your alignment, the idea that blocks your path to focus and lays waste your concentration in a millionth of a second.
In order to exorcise the demons in your head, try and learn how to remove all thoughts from your mind. This cannot be done overnight. It is a very long and lonely road that takes years of practice. Try and habituate yourself in doing this everywhere. You will develop the power to be able to concentrate and focus on what you really wish to.
Simplify your lifestyle. A dissipated lifestyle creates the demons.