Talking Islam: A peaceful mind - source of power
Scholars, thinkers and leaders in society are mostly involved in deep thinking because they have to address the diverse problems of society on constant basis.
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The basic truth is that every human being should be involved in deep thinking in view of the unique benefits associated with it. In addition to refining the human mind, it also brings to the fore the humanity of man because man enjoys supremacy over animals with his intellect.
Consequently, the human being is, because he thinks. Thinking manifests your existence and, therefore, you are because you think.
Thinking helps you to avoid blind imitation and assert the sound principles you believe in at all times. It helps you develop power to solve problems in life. It helps you create your happiness if it is strongly propelled by deep faith in the Creator and calmness of self.
Bear in mind that the human mind performs better when it is not under stress. Stress blocks the path of the power of thought. Avoid it and maintain inner tranquility in order that the mind can potentially function to address your problem.
Improve your memory
One may ask, "if my mind is so vital for the pursuit of result-oriented activities in life, how do I improve my memory?" As noted by Fuller and quoted by Pekelis (1987;8)," method is the mother of memory."
Human memory has its own character and whims. It can perform, to one’s amazement and satisfaction, the unique function of storing information and it can at the same time be very disappointing by refusing to remember something learnt an hour ago.
This, invariably, underscores the need to strengthen one’s memory so that it can perform its functions effectively. The following steps could be of help in that direction:
a. Calming of nerves and its consequent impact on the mind is vital. Engage, therefore, in consistent meditation. It is a source of empowerment for the mind.
b. Bear in mind that loosely-held information may and does drop out from the memory system, unless, reinforced. by repetition. Repetition, therefore, helps the mind to strengthen its memory capacity.
c. Engage in constant reading and conscious learning. In such a situation, the mind is constantly tasked and the best brought out of it. Of course, it is more like engaging the body in exercise on a daily basis. The muscles are strengthened to perform their functions better. That is the hard truth.
d. The best way to enhance one’s memory is body exercise. It opens up the mind and strengthens memory, in the process.
A peaceful mind - a source of power
Norman Vincent Peale (1998;21) has observed that. "the essence of the secret lies in a change of mental attitude. One must learn to live on a different thought basis, and even though thought change required effort, it is much easier than to continue living as you are.
The life of strain is difficult. The life of inner peace, being harmonious and without stress, is the easiest type of existence.
The chief struggle then in gaining mental peace is the effort of revamping your thinking to the relaxed attitude of acceptance of God's gift of peace".
Sometimes and wrongly, some people think that they have to empty their minds to give them peace. This is absolutely impossible. The .basic truth about the mind is that it cannot long remain a vacuum. Something is bound to enter.
To give your mind peace, therefore, fill it with creative and healthy thoughts. When this is done, the old fears, hates and worries that have disturbed you for years will try to edge back in. But they will in effect find a sign on the door of your mind reading "occupied".
They may struggle for entry. But the new creative and healthy thoughts which you have taken in will now be stronger and better fortified and therefore able to repulse them. When this happens, you will permanently enjoy a mind full of peace.
Engage in constant prayer, meditation and remembrance of Allah, the Almighty, at all times.
They help to calm nerves and contribute hugely towards prevalence of peace in the mind and in the heart.
"Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured”. Quran 13:28
The writer is a Theologian/Educationist
Email: [email protected]
