Secrets of Mind and Reality - MindReality.com

One of the secret reasons for success is simply the possession of spirit. In horse racing, the greater spirit of a horse is recognized by other horses, and they are actually affected by it and become discouraged, thereby allowing themselves to be beaten. They may even be stronger physically and yet still diminish their use of strength in such a case. This spirit is a fundamental vital strength possessed by all living things in differing degrees. You may develop this spirit and strengthen it in yourself to be powerful.

Another name for spirit is will because they are both one. You can train yourself in the use of your will to get a hold of your mental throttle, so that you may pull it down and turn on a full head of steam when necessary. In other words, you may power up or power down whenever you need to. When you are able to access the powered up state, you will find that you are not any more tired when running under full pressure than when you are moving at a slow pace. This is the key to unlimited power in action.
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The will may simply mean a firm, steadfastness of mind that is also known as determination of fixedness of purpose. But the will is also more than that. The will is actually a vital power, an acting force of the mind that is capable of dominating and ruling the other mental faculties as well as projecting itself outside the body and affecting others coming within its field of influence. The ability of the will to influence the external elements of a person’s reality is also the force of spirit that dominates everyone else in it.

The will is closest to the “I” or Ego of the person. It is the Sword of Power clasped in the hand of the Ego. It is the force which with one rules his mental kingdom. It is the power by which his individuality manifests itself upon the outside world. To develop a strong will is to become a strong individual. You assert your individuality by exerting your will. You are the divine presence manifested in individual form and you are meant to assert your own self. Use the will or spirit and you will manifest power in your life.

There was a story of King Richard who in his desire to prosecute the war in Normandy, demanded additional supplies and money from his barons and bishops. But Bishop Hugo refused to furnish men or money. When the bishop landed in Normandy two friendly barons who informed him that the king was in a terrible rage against him, and who advised him to send some humble, conciliatory message to him before entering the royal presence. But he refused to do this, and proceeded boldly to meet his king.

Hugo walked up to him, and disregarding his frown, said, “Kiss me, my lord King!” Richard turned wrathfully away, withholding his salute. But Hugo, gazing into his eyes, and shaking the royal shoulder vigorously, repeated his demand. “Thou hast not deserved it,” roared the king in anger and chagrin. “I have,” retorted Hugo while shaking the king’s shoulder harder. The king gradually dropped his eyes from the bishop’s, and gave the kingly salute and kiss. Hugo passed on calmly to take part in the service.

Hugo afterward defied the king in his council chamber, and persisted in his refusal, and even ventured to rebuke his royal master for infidelity to the queen. The council was astounded, for knowing Richard’s courage and fiery temper they expected to see Hugo crush in a moment, but instead he emerged winner in the fight of spiritedness. The King acknowledged nothing, but restrained his passion, remarking later, ‘If all bishops were like my lord of Lincoln, not a prince among us could lift his head among them.’”

This was not the first time that this fearless Bishop of Lincoln had vanquished a king. In his earlier days, shortly after King Henry Plantagenet had created him bishop, he became involved in a fierce dispute with that king. Henry was surrounded by his courtiers when Hugo approached. The king feigned not to see the bishop, taking no notice whatsoever of him. After a few moments of strained silence the bishop pushed aside a powerful earl who was seated by the king’s side and took his place beside the king.

The king pretended to be mending his leather glove. The bishop cheerfully and lightly said: “Your Majesty reminds me of your cousin at Falaise.” Falaise was the place at which Henry’s ancestor Duke Robert met Arlotta, the daughter of a tanner of leather, who bore him his illegitimate son who was afterward known as William the Conqueror. The Bishop’s impudent allusion to the king’s ancestry was too much for the king, and he was badly affected in the encounter and later gave in to the wishes of the bishop.

It is a great mistake to assume that the will is always overtly expressed at all times. It often has a tendency to conceal itself and is usually covered under an exterior of much pleasantness. There are men, and women, too, who present an appearance of such politeness that they seem to have no will of their own. They apparently seem merely to do what is agreeable to others. But just wait till the time comes, and then the concealed will-power is revealed, and we find under this velvet glove a hand of iron.

The concealed will is a subtle, tenuous Power, resting latent beneath the surface and out of evidence. But when needed it flashes forth like the dynamic electric spark, driving all before it. It is an elemental force, of irresistible power. Those who have power reserve their power. Silent reserved power is the most potent. You can present an attitude of pleasantness, but be firm when it comes to asserting what you want. Always have a strong spirit to manifest power in asserting your individually created reality.[/hidepost]