The Power Of The Will

Ever caught yourself in a tug-of-war between what you should do and what you want to do? Maybe you set your alarm for 6 a.m. to start that morning jog, but when dawn breaks, the snooze button wins again. Or perhaps you've vowed to kick a bad habit, only to find yourself slipping back into old patterns. We've all faced that internal battle, wondering why our best intentions don't always translate into action. What if the secret to bridging that gap lies in understanding the true power of your Will?

In Part 11 of our modernization of Thomas Troward’s Edinburgh Lectures on Mental Science, we delved into the transformative realm of Healing through the subconscious mind and prayer, uncovering how our minds play a pivotal role in our physical well-being and the well-being of others.

Now, in Part 12, we're about to unlock the secrets of the Will—that inner force capable of turning intentions into reality. The Will isn't just about resisting temptations or muscling through challenges; it's about harnessing a deeper alignment between your desires and the universal principles that govern creation.

What if you could move beyond the cycle of trying and failing, and instead, tap into a wellspring of calm determination that propels you forward effortlessly? By understanding the true nature of the Will, you can transform those internal struggles into opportunities for growth and alignment.

So, are you ready to explore how mastering your Will can bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be? Let's dive in.

Understanding the True Nature of the Will

Let's delve into the concept of the Will—not the legal kind that decides who gets your vinyl collection, but the inner force that shapes your reality. Grasping the role of the Will is crucial; it's like understanding how to use the remote before you binge-watch your favorite series.

Many people hype up "will-power" as if it's the ultimate creative force, the magic wand that makes things happen. Sure, you can force certain outcomes with sheer determination—like cramming for an exam overnight. But here's the thing: results achieved by force don't last. It's like trying to hold a beach ball underwater; as soon as you let go, it pops right back up. Efforts achieved through force lack the lasting vitality of natural growth.

The big misconception is thinking that we are the ultimate creators of everything in our lives. But in truth, we don't create anything out of nothing—that's the domain of the Divine, or God. Our role is more like chefs in a kitchen; we combine and arrange the ingredients provided to us. In science, we don't talk about creating energy; we talk about transforming it from one form to another. Similarly, on a mental and spiritual level, we don't generate new energy; we set the stage for existing divine energy to express itself through us.

So, what's our real creative power? It's having an open heart and a mindset of expectancy—a faithful trust that the Divine will flow into the molds we prepare. Think of it like setting up a sail to catch the wind; the wind is God's energy, and our Will positions the sail. The Will isn't the wind itself; it's the steering mechanism that keeps our thoughts aligned with the Divine purpose. If imagination is the artist painting the picture, the Will is the hand guiding the brush.

The Process of Will in Action

Our aim is to consciously direct our mental faculties, rather than letting them scatter like leaves in the wind. Here's how it typically unfolds:

1. Emotion sparks a desire. Something stirs within you—a longing or aspiration.

2. Judgment steps in. You evaluate whether this desire aligns with your higher purpose and values.

3. The Will activates. If the desire passes the test, the Will directs your imagination to create a mental blueprint—a spiritual prototype.

4. Imagination builds the image. This mental picture becomes a seed, attracting the necessary elements to manifest in reality.

The Will's job is to keep our mental team focused and aligned with God's purpose. Think of it as the conductor of an orchestra, ensuring each instrument plays in harmony. Now, the mind can take on three attitudes:

• Act upon something. You decide to initiate action.

• Be acted upon by something. You choose to receive or be open.

• Maintain a neutral position. You opt to observe without engagement.

Our judgment determines which stance to adopt, and the Will maintains that position. By holding a consistent mental attitude rooted in faith, we align ourselves with the divine law of attraction, drawing experiences that reflect our focus.

Now, this isn't about straining ourselves with intense effort or trying to bend reality to our personal will. Forget the image of someone gritting their teeth to force an outcome—that's exhausting and often ineffective. When we elevate the Will to align with God's Will, it becomes a calm and peaceful determination. It's like planting a seed in fertile soil and trusting that God will provide the sunshine and rain for it to grow.

Training our Will to align with the Divine is one of the first steps in spiritual growth. Essentially, we are the sum of our Will. Actions we take willingly, in harmony with God's purpose, are truly our own. Actions taken under compulsion or fear aren't aligned with our true selves. And here's the empowering truth: on the spiritual plane, no one can control your Will unless you allow it. Therefore, all genuine spiritual practice aims to strengthen the Will and bring it under the guidance of enlightened judgment and divine alignment.

Once you realize your Will can tap into the "first cause"—the Divine Source—you don't need to overanalyze it every time. You express your desire with the intention of aligning with God's Will, trusting that it will manifest in the right way and at the right time. The real challenge isn't in making things happen but in choosing wisely what you desire, ensuring it aligns with divine principles of love, kindness, and goodness.

Remember, every action sets off a chain of effects, like ripples in a pond. So it's important to consider the potential outcomes of our desires. As a guiding principle, the nature of the initial cause tends to shape the entire sequence of events. If you start with selfish or negative intent, that's what will echo back to you. But if you begin with love, generosity, and faith, you'll set off a cascade of blessings.

Before you start using your thought-power to create new conditions, take a moment to reflect on where they might lead. It's like planning a journey—you need to consider not just the destination but also the path and the impact along the way. Sometimes, delaying immediate gratification leads to greater rewards down the line. It's about playing the long game in alignment with divine wisdom.

The Importance of Concentration

This brings us to the importance of concentration—not just focusing hard, but intentionally directing your mental and spiritual energy. We need to avoid letting our minds drift aimlessly, like a ship without a rudder. Instead, we should practice purposeful concentration.

To concentrate spiritually means bringing your mind into a state of equilibrium—a balanced center point where you can consciously direct the flow of divine energy toward a specific purpose. It's not about straining or forcing; it's about calmly focusing on the quality of divine energy you want to embody, rather than obsessing over the exact details of how it will manifest.

Two Golden Rules of Concentration

1. Focus on the Quality, Not the Details. Concentrate on the virtues or energies you wish to express—love, peace, healing—not on micromanaging how they should appear in your life. Trust that God will handle the specifics.

2. Avoid Contradictory Thoughts. Guard your mind against doubts or negative thoughts that might disperse the spiritual seed you're nurturing. Consistency in your mental attitude strengthens the creative process.

Think of it like planting a garden. You don't need to tell each seed how to grow; you provide the right conditions—good soil, water, sunlight—and nature takes care of the rest. Similarly, by focusing your mind on the kind of divine energy you're cultivating, you allow God's force to handle the details.

Now, rest and repose are vital parts of this process. But rest doesn't mean switching off completely or letting your mind wander without purpose. It's about shifting from doing to being. Take time to meditate on your oneness with the Divine. Recognize that you're part of a universal, living spirit—God's presence is in and around you. From this perspective, everything is life, and everything is good because it originates from the Divine Source.

Vital Circulation is essential here. Life isn't just about taking in; it's also about giving out. Like your circulatory system needs both the in-flow and out-flow of blood to function, your spiritual life requires both receiving from the Divine and expressing that energy outward.

Think of nature as a vast storehouse of God's abundance, and you hold the key through your conscious awareness. This is the great secret: when you acknowledge your unity with God, you tap into an endless supply of vitality, wisdom, and joy. You might not suddenly become a world-renowned artist or scholar, but you'll radiate a kind of inner peace and kindness that others will notice and appreciate. Each day, you'll feel more alive, and this positive energy will naturally flow out to those around you.

Whether you're actively pursuing a goal or simply being present, remember that your strength comes from recognizing your unity with God and your role as an individual expression of the Divine. You're both a unique note and part of a grand symphony orchestrated by God. This recognition doesn't lead to selfishness but to a generous outpouring of love and goodness, enriching both your life and the lives of others.

In embracing this understanding, you're not just improving your life; you're aligning yourself with a higher purpose. You're allowing the Divine Will to work through you, bringing about not just personal fulfillment but also contributing to the greater good.

As we conclude our deep dive into the true nature of the Will, we've not only uncovered its essence but also recognized the profound impact it can have when actively applied in our daily lives. Understanding that the Will is about aligning our intentions with the divine flow—not about forcefully imposing our desires—empowers us to navigate life with a calm and centered determination. It's like holding a steady compass that keeps our imagination and desires focused on our higher purpose, allowing us to co-create our reality in harmony with universal laws.

But knowledge without application is like a car without fuel—it doesn't take you anywhere. The real transformation happens when we actively apply these principles of the Will to our everyday experiences. By consciously directing your Will, you're not just dreaming about change; you're initiating it. Whether it's overcoming procrastination, fostering healthier relationships, or pursuing long-held dreams, the Will is your inner engine driving you forward.

But understanding the Will is just the beginning. The real transformation occurs when we delve deeper into the hidden layers of our mind—the Sub-Conscious Mind. How do we tap into this vast reservoir of potential that operates beneath our awareness? How can we align our conscious intentions with the powerful undercurrents of our sub-conscious to create lasting change?

Coming Up Next: Part 13 - In Touch with the Sub-Conscious Mind

In Part 13: In Touch with the Sub-Conscious Mind, we'll explore practical techniques to establish a stronger connection with this inner realm. We'll learn how to communicate effectively with our sub-conscious, reprogram limiting beliefs, and harness its creative power to support our goals. By bridging the gap between conscious intention and sub-conscious motivation, we'll unlock new levels of personal growth and self-understanding.

So, are you ready to delve deeper into your own mind and discover the keys to profound transformation? Join us in the next part as we journey into the depths of the sub-conscious, uncovering the limitless possibilities that lie within you.