| |
Strength does not come from
physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
Mahatma Gandhi
Will is the function by which we direct and sustain our attention,
imagination, and actions toward a given goal.
 | The directing is not a forced effort. It is simply the decision to attend
to one element and not a different one. The decision is enacted via the
selection of a single thought, image, energy tone, or action. This selection
directs our attention. |
| The sustaining is the reiteration of our original direction. We can
sustain the will by affirming our affirmation statement whenever we think of the
subject. |
Techniques for using will.
| Design-work. When quitting smoking we focus our attention on the
freshness in our lungs, the delight in experiencing clean air, the pleasurable
sensations of a healthy body, the pristine scent of our clothes, and the
serenity when we are not over stimulated by nicotine.
 | Affirmation. "I enjoy breathing fresh air", "My lungs
feel healthy and strong". |
| Directed imagination. We visualize ourselves in situations
without a cigarette. We visualize healthy lungs. We see ourselves exercising
with vigor and confidence. |
| Modeling. We act as if we are a nonsmoker. We do not possess
cigarettes. We do not spend time in places such as bars where we would tend
to smoke. |
|
| We enhance our awareness of our intuition. Intuition is essential in the
use of will:
| Intuition suggests the goal toward which our will is to be directed. |
| Intuition is the means by which we are aware of the dynamics of spirit.
We experience the dynamics as our desire or motivation to commit a
particular act, then we engage our will to focus our attention upon the act. |
| Intuition suggests the elements for our design-work. It can recommend a
particular statement to be used in affirmation. |
| Intuition reveals the conflicting drives, and it suggests means for
resolving them. While our human self may desire its stated goal in contrast
to the conflicting impulses, the true self appreciates the entire dynamic of
the situation, the need for the exploration of designs and the need of
existing elements to discharge their charge. Intuition assists us to attain
our desired goal. |
|
| We can strive to be more aware of the dynamics of the will. What is
happening psychologically when we will to close our eyes, or cross our legs?
| What is the source of this impulse to act? |
| How do we decide whether to enact the impulse? |
| Do we make the decision consciously and willfully, or do we default to a
habitual response? |
| How do we enact the impulse? What is the series of thoughts and actions
by which the impulse is acted out? |
|
People do not lack
strength; they lack will.
Victor Hugo
Next topic: Problem Solving
|
