Mind Work

You know I hesitate to put this out there ... well, because, no one wants to hear a convicted felon talk about, God. Hell. I don't either. In truth when one of these guys comes up to me and tries to talk religion I immediately cut him off. Like I said, I don't want to hear it either. But, there is a difference between Religion and God. Now that may sound crazy, but if you know anything about God, you know that this is a true statement. So, today I am speaking to you about God, not about my religious beliefs.

Every day I try very hard to control my thoughts; to keep them positive. If for instance I catch myself thinking something negative about someone or something I immediately ask God to forgive me and then I change my thoughts to something positive. I have been doing this for years ... no, I have not mastered it even after twenty years. But I have become aware of my thoughts which allows me to change them. The Masters say this is a major step towards being Godly. I don't know, 'cause, like I said, I ain't a Master :) 

Twenty some odd years ago I became a member of the Siddha Foundation; they have a Prison Project, free to anyone who asks. I asked and have been blessed by the teachings of Gurumayi and her, my, Seva Team. One of the things they have tried to get me to understand is what I have heard Christian Mystics call, "The Silent Prayer", the Siddha Group call it, "Stilling The Mind". No, I am not going to spend the next ten-thousand words trying to explain it to you. I will say this and only this: I look for ways to still my mind. 

Recently I have adopted the program of going outside every morning at 7:30 am and walking for an hour or two.   While on my walk around the track I smell the fresh air, I wink at the birds, I talk to the trees, I pet the cats and so forth. A beautiful life. Recently I have noticed that the flowers are beginning to bloom. In fact there are these little yellow flowers that open up with the sunrise, which I also see. I began to use those flowers as reminders that while walking I can maximize my "Walk" by praying while I strut around and around. So now when I pass by one of those flowers I check my thoughts and if my mind has strayed, I bring it back to task. Another thing I do is a mantra; while walking I remind myself that I have dedicated this time to God; I repeat, "This is Gods time" over and over.

The sun is rising earlier and earlier each morning and when walking one side of the track I am walking directly into the sun. Wonderful things this is. Then by accident ;) as I walked I began to focus on my heart, to feel the sunlight flowing directly into my heart and I hold that feeling as long as I can ... and you know what, I realized that my mind slows and focuses on this and even coordinates it with my breath. My mind, focusing on the sun, the light, the breath, becomes quiet. The Silent Prayer of no words. 

Try it. 

Much love. Peace be with you.

 

FCI Bastrop, Texas 3-13-2026