I am working more intensely with my mind and thoughts. About a month ago, I thought my mind had a mental virus. My mind created jealously, insecurity, and negative thoughts. I told myself, “If I don’t control my thoughts, I’m in big trouble.”

Thankfully, I have restored my peaceful mind. I think turbulence in my marriage sparked the “mental virus.” The crisis in our marriage led us to build a stronger marriage. My husband and I reconnected with the help of a book called, The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary Chapman. I highly recommend this book.

My imagination is what got me in trouble. I played scenarios, in my mind, that were not true. Jean-Yves Leloup says, “It is our imagination that needs to be healed.”

I tried many things to control my mind. I tried to push away images, but they would return. The best way, I have found, to let go of negative thoughts is to say to myself, “Please forgive my thoughts.”

Another way to redirect my mind is to ask myself, “What do I want to focus on?” Sometimes it’s best to put on blinders like blinkers on a horse. Sometimes I need tunnel vision!

Meditation can help me control my mind. If I have too many thoughts, I use a mantra during my meditation. I like using “Sat Nam” (true identity) or “Om So Hum” (I am that). I noticed that I need to meditate every morning – it prepares my mind for the rest of the day.

To settle my anxious mind, I need to remind myself that I will be okay no matter what. I need to trust God and the Universe. There are some things I can’t control – it’s a wake up call to bring nonattachment, equanimity, and peace within myself.

To go forward with my peaceful mind, I am using the concept of “out of sight, out of mind.” I can do this by staying in the present moment and being careful about what I allow into my senses (what I watch, listen to, and participate in). Also, I must remember information on the Internet can bring me down the “rabbit hole” – places I may not want to go.

To keep a pure mind and heart, I must learn to create a sense of peace inside and outside of myself. If I want to evolve into higher consciousness, I need to connect with the higher vibration of love and gratitude. I am thankful for so many things!

And lastly, I must forgive myself. I need to give myself compassion and love. I learned a lot about my mind. It’s a gift to have this self-realization.

Namaste.