Have you ever come across the writings of James Allen?
I hadn’t heard of him until very recently. However, I’m now reading through some of his works and although the language is dated, his words contain great wisdom that still applies to our lives today. True Wisdom definitely stands the test of time!
He lived between 1864 and 1912 and wrote profusely on the Laws of the Universe. From what I’ve read so far, his philosophy for a great life is very much based around changing our thoughts to change our life experiences. I also wrote about this myself recently and it’s strange that when we start to focus on something, so often we randomly come across signals that tell us we’re on the right track. I wasn’t looking for anything to do with James Allen, I was searching the internet for something completely different and yet a YouTube video popped up and started playing. I nearly switched it off, but the words called out to me and I’m so glad I stopped and listened to someone reading the words from one of his books.
The Universe sends us signals that sometimes we miss. I’m glad I didn’t miss this one, which reinforces to me that I’m on the right track. I’ve definitely worked hard over the last couple of years to improve my thoughts and challenge my beliefs and life is definitely transforming as a result!
I feel doubly certain now, that if we want to experience something different in our lives, we have to change our thoughts. We need to become more conscious about what our thoughts are and then choose to change the ones that are negative or not working for us.
Living a Remarkable Life really is a Choice we can all make!
You can read more about my thoughts on this here: How Are Your Thoughts Influencing Your Life?
James Allen was also a great believer in meditation and his works include a meditation for every day of the year. This is what he writes for the 11th October:
“When a man aspires to know and realise the Truth, he gives attention to conduct, to self-purification”
October Eleventh.
BY concentration a man can scale the highest heights of genius, but he cannot scale the heavenly heights of Truth ; to accomplish this he must meditate.By concentration a man may acquire the wonderful comprehension and vast power of a Caesar ;
by meditation he may reach the divine wisdom and perfect peace of a Buddha.
The perfection of concentration is power ; the perfection of meditation is wisdom.
By concentration men acquire skill in the doing of the things of life—in science, art, trade, etc.
—but by meditation they acquire skill in life itself ; in right living, enlightenment, wisdom, etc.
Saints, sages, saviours—wise men and divine teachers— are the finished products of holy meditation.
Love Truth so fully and intensely as to become wholly absorbed in it.
Bella from thoughtsnlifeblog has clearly aligned herself with the power of meditation and provides access to some great meditations to inspire us. I followed this one on her blog today and it was so calming: https://thoughtsnlifeblog.com/2017/10/11/meditation-commentary-into-the-soul/
I’m also inspired by Miriam at Outanabout, to form a new daily meditation habit myself. Miriam took up the Brilliance Within 90 Day Habit Changing Challenge, to start daily meditation. I think today maybe her day 40 so WELL DONE Miriam!! You can read about Miriam’s meditation experience alongside some wonderful photo’s, that really are Heaven on Earth! https://outanabout.com/2017/10/06/the-calm-hour/
If you’ve read some of James Allen’s work, I’d love to know what you think. If you haven’t, watch this space.. I’m sure I’ll be adding some more ‘James Allen’ feature posts soon…
Have a brilliant day!
Wendy
x
Like Brigid I also hadn’t heard of James Allen before reading this. You’re right though Wendy, his words really do stand the test of time. Clearly you were meant to see that link. Oh yes, my friend, you’re on the right path, there’s no doubt in my mind. Thanks for the link to my post too. I’m so enjoying the challenge that I’m sure it will extend far beyond the 90 days. xo
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Looks like he’s new to lots of us then Miri – I can’t believe that all the reading I’ve done on the subject previously and there’s always something new to discover.. just shows! I’m hoping that by day 90 our new habit will definitely stick with us for a lifetime Miri! xx
Yes, that’s what I’m hoping for too. xo
I love James Allen! As A Man Thinketh is one of those books that I go back to from time to time; it’s that good. One of my favorite quotes is “Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound.”
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I came across an audio of someone reading his book and have listened to it for most of the day on and off while doing other jobs. I love it and it’s amazing how true wisdom does stand the test of time. xx
I had not heard of James Allen till this post Wendy. I do though believe in the power of meditation. I could not manage life’s ups and downs without it. X 🌼
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He’s a new discovery for me too Brigid but it’s amazing how much of what he says still fits with our modern world… Yes I do meditations but I’m a bit haphazard and I’m definitely going to be more diligent. x