Concentration
he New Thought includes
concentra-
tion of thought, in its teaching; and
he who learns that important art is
not liable to frequently forget small
or large duties.
It is he who scatters, instead of
concentrates his mind powers, who keeps him-
self and others in a state of continual irritation
by forgetting, mislaying, and losing, three
petty vices which do much to mar domestic or
business life.
Concentration is a most difficult acquirement
for the mature mind which has been allowed to
grow in the habit of thought scattering.
Wise is the mother, and as sure as wise,
who teaches her child to finish each task begun
before attempting another, for that is the first
step in concentration.
Prentice Mulford, that great and good pioneer
in the field of practical New Thought, tells us to
apply our whole mental powers to whatever we
do, even if it is merely the tying of a shoe, and
to think of nothing else until that shoe is tied,
then to utterly forget the shoe string, when we
turn to another duty or employment. The next
lesson in concentration he gives us, is to repeat
the word often, to impress it upon the mind.
And then to declare each day that "Concen-
tration is mine" will aid still farther in the
acquisition of this great and important quality.
Meanwhile, since we can be so fortunate as
to always surround ourselves with others who
have acquired it, the student of the Higher Phil-
osophy must learn to be serene and self-poised
when he encounters life's pigmy worries.
He must carry his religion into his bedroom
and his office, and not forget it utterly when he
loses his collar-button, or misses his car, or finds
his office boy has taken a parcel to the wrong
address.
To build character necessitates a constant
watch upon ourselves. The New Thought is not
a religion of Sundays, but of every day.
The Heart of the New Thought by Ella Wheeler Wilcox.
Chicago : The Psychic Research Company, c1902.
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