The stories we tell ourselves about conditions we encounter in life become the object of our thought which–in turn–prompt action. Desirable stories are ones that support our ideal state. Our ideal state serves the greatest good of ourselves and others.
We must begin by identifying the stories we believe. Next, we must scrutinize the story, then we must be willing to modify or replace unsupportive stories with supportive ones.
Awareness is the ability to differentiate a story that supports our ideal state from stories that do not.
A response is an awareness of our ability to transcend the emotional reaction(s) that result from believing the story we tell ourselves about conditions we encounter in life, accompanied by an eagerness and willingness will to do so. Gratitude is the predominant quality of thought in this method of thinking.
As soon as I say, “Do not think of a red wagon,” you automatically have. By concentrating on inability, our thoughts reinforce inability. Simply, discard what is not working for you and replace it with a constructive object of thought. Replacing stories is the most effective method for eliminating undesirable methods of thought.
(7.19) A conscious recognition of the truth invariably destroys error. We do not have to laboriously shovel the darkness out. All that is required is to turn the light on. This same principle applies to every form of negative thought.
The nature of our thoughts is our predominant mental attitude.
Thought is transmuted into character, and character is the magnet that attracts the environment of the individual.
Freewill is our ability to choose to react or respond to the conditions we meet in life. There is no way to relinquish this choice. Non-action is, itself, action. This is the law of polarity.
Viðey, Iceland
Aperture of Brahma 