My MInd To Me a Kingdom Is

Rishikesh, India

My Mind To Me a Kingdom Is, was written by Sir Edward Dyer, a sixteenth-century poet. The poem is about the potency of the mind. The poet describes the comfort of detaching from everything, including your body , and being in the kingdom of a quiet mind. Think about it for a moment the power of your mind. You can't see it or touch it, yet it is always with you, guiding and directing everything about your life. This is your kingdom, and you can use in any situation. It is your corner of freedom, a place that only you has control over. This is the power and wonder of the invisible mind. 

In Sir Dyer's poem there is a passage that refers to craving; "Yet still my mind forbids to crave." You and only you possess the power of choice. There is nothing outside you to blame for your cravings. Go inside the invisible mind, this powerful kingdom within yourself and ask your mind to serve the highest good for all concerned.

The need to acquire more in life and seek the approval of others is not imposed on us but rather a choice we decide to make. The poet tells the reader there are many who have more than they need and yet crave more: "They are poor, though much they have, and I am rich with little store." He goes on to say how those who seek more, although they have plenty live in agony, never seeming to be satisfied; "They lack, I leave; they pine, I live."

Your mind is your kingdom willing to give you a lifetime of peace. You have the choice to change your mind and create a life giving rather than a life of lacking. We all have the freedom to choose peace. When fear creeps in, it is coming from the outside, not from the kingdom of your mind. It is how you choose to use the information in your mind that determines your life.

The poem tells you to stop placing so much emphasis on your desires, the endless game of measuring up to the outside worldly demands and to turn inward instead. Your mind controls all of your experiences in life, including your health. Change your thoughts and change your life.

Simple Practices:

You can practice mind control by choosing to change your thoughts. For example, if you find yourself reacting in a negative way, catch yourself and try a new way of thinking.

• Spend some time in daily meditation and experience the kingdom of your mind. Don't worry about thoughts floating in and out, the mind will do that. Just simply acknowledge it and move towards the rhythm of your breath.
• Remind yourself that nothing outside of you can disturb your peace. Only you have controlover your mind. Choose to use your mind as your kingdom.

• Keep this last passage of the poem in a place you can read it often: "Thus do I live; thus will I die: would all did so well as I."

You are the king of your inner domain!

Om,

Mary Jane - Feng Shui Yoga Girl - www.fengshuiyoganj.com