Dedicating "My Mind" 101

Ok, since we are talking about dedicating the mind, here's a pop-quiz.

1. When was the last time you looked in a dictionary?

2. What is an Atlas?

3. Can you do easy calculation in your head (no 2+2 stuff either)?

4. Do you memorize poems, scripture verses, or quotes from landmark novels?

5. Do you read (And not just magazines, flash-in-the-pan novels, or Internet sites; but solid, fundamental works)?

I am painfully aware that most of us do not use our minds as much as we should, and few of us are overconscientious about not using it enough. But, maybe there is a weightier issue? Do you know what it means to "use your mind". It's not working through logic analysis in conversations (although that would be helpful), or even thinking you have to do "hard work". To "use your mind" is really to engage your life in such a way that you draw immense fulfillment from harvesting, and then utilizing various degrees of knowledge every day. Simply put, its just thinking of the best thing to do or say, and then doing it. Now, you may be asking or thinking, "it's not that easy". Let's see!

Its not that this is easy, its just that most people are too hasty to take the time to invest in something that would pay back full dividends. The hardest part of the initial journey may just be gathering the information. However, after becoming conversant with a few subjects, you will quickly find yourself wanting to gain new information. Now, what seems to be, and probably is the hardest part of the process is relating the information you receive to someone else in a winsome and persuasive manner. Knowing what to say is half the battle, knowing how to say it though will win you the war. Most people struggle with these concepts because they don't know how to communicate. So here is a step-by-step process for using your mind.

1. Read, and take notes on what you read.

2. When in a conversation, ask questions instead of make statements. Asking questions causes the other participant to clarify their statements, while allowing you control of the conversation.

3. Be honest in your assertions. Make a valid case for what you are saying, or just say "I don't know."

4. Keep track of any ideas you were not familiar with.

5. Read, Read, Read, and look up new ideas that you were interested in from previous conversations.

Remember, this is just a rough skeleton. There could be a lot more to each point. Half the battle is just getting motivated enough to use your mind, but when you do start to use it, the world becomes a whole new place. I guarantee it will change your life. Who knows, it might change someone elses life too. So..........., what are you waiting for. Get out there and read!

Think on That!

Reflections

I AM BACK!

After a much extended break, one that really took too long, I am back, hopefully in rare form. It is my goal to rework my blog site in the coming weeks, so hopefully things will look more professional, and not as plain. There are some very promising plans in store, so I hope you visit often if you are a follower or just a passerby.

SEE YOU SOON!

C.L.