Focused energy is a powerful thing. A laser beam is a perfect example. We can all bask in the sun’s rays, but harness and then focus those same rays of light into a laser and you can burn through solid steel.

The energy we emit from our minds, if focused, can have a similar effect and more widely felt impact.

Each of us is an integral part of the world, and we affect our surroundings just as much as we are affected by them. We see and experience the world, not as it is, but as we are. Think about that.

Fill in the blanks to the following questions honestly and accurately as they relate to your daily experience.

• Each day is another __________.

• People I meet are basically__________.

• Honesty is the best policy, yes or no? _____.

• I am _______________ by human nature.

There are no wrong answers to these questions. People who say they’re appalled by human nature, no doubt have just as many reasons to support their contentions as do others who are constantly empowered by human nature. Even though the answers are contradictory, they will both be true. What you believe becomes what is right for you.

You see, reality is more complicated than it may seem. We assume that we are objective and only reporting back our unbiased experiences, but that’s not the case.

We literally create our own reality.

EXERCISE

A one-month media fast.

If we are in the process of creating a better reality for ourselves, then this exercise can help us shut out distractions and focus only on the desired reality. The life we deserve. There is good and bad in the media. Radio, TV news, TV programs, movies, newspapers, magazines, the Internet – they have made the world smaller and inspired millions with stories of tragedy and triumph. They can also be the epitome of crass commercialism and unrelenting sensationalism. Bottom Line: the constant bombardment can be a distraction.

It’s surprising to see how much more exciting our lives get by eliminating sources of artificial excitement. We actually turn to ourselves for entertainment. We can explore new horizons. We notice more time on our hands. We can go out dancing or hiking, catch up with old friends, study BEYOND FREEDOM or take up gardening. Suddenly we begin doing. We develop new interests and expertise.

After one month, you may even decide to continue. You’ll be impressed with the way your reliance on media outlets has disappeared.

Document your observations in your journal. Notice the changes in your energy levels, the clarity in your thinking and an increased ability to focus.