'People who put limits on themselves will never become more than they think they are.' He gives the example of people who may not have had the education they would have liked. This, he believes, is not an excuse. 'No matter how difficult you find learning, if you continue to make an effort for 20 years, you will certainly be able to master any subject.' You need to revolutionise your perspective and not get stuck in the past. This may sound difficult, but all this really is, is to find a new way of doing things, thinking in a way that will turn every situation to an advantage, even a failure. As Okawa puts it: 'It is an attitude where no matter what happens, you can always turn it into an opportunity to take the next step forward.' Interestingly enough, Okawa believes the same concept applies to people we meet and don't like. These are the people he describes as 'your personal tutor', since by studying them exhaustively, you can work out why their personality is so disagreeable to you and learn a great deal from them. Okawa explains that the lessons one learns by studying others as well as by understanding one's experiences are stored in your personal 'deposit'. As he puts it: 'People with a rich supply of these "deposits" will be successful in life.' Okawa further believes that an unshakable mind – a mind undisturbed by life's difficulties – cannot be acquired overnight. Rather, it requires a solid base, like that of an iceberg, which remains hidden underwater. A foundation like this can be developed in several ways: by learning from the wisdom of great figures and artists such as novelists, painters, historians or poets; by achieving a sense of stability in the retention of a sense of calm and self-confidence; by gaining lessons from your experiences and by moving forward using invincible thinking. There is also the concept of the 'Principle of Accumulation', which is essentially the ability to build an inner store of wisdom to create the stability of an iceberg in your life. One key way of doing this, is recognising the value of time. It cannot be stored and you cannot live in the past or the future, but you can change the quality of time by using it more efficiently or seeing it differently, both spiritually and intellectually. One should
'When one suffers a setback, whether in one's relationships, health or work, one should not see this negatively. It offers you a chance to strengthen your soul, while at the same time allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of other people.'
also show a willingness to learn, through studying further but also through experience. Adds Okawa: 'To create an inner store of knowledge, it is important not to limit your studies to what you need to know right now but rather to take an interest in a wide range of subjects and continue collecting information.' Another important part of learning is what Okawa calls 'the path to re-creating happiness'. Learning, he believes, is a bit like money. If you don't use it, it has no meaning. In the same manner it is important to pass on what you have learnt to help others. Another way of building your iceberg is by overcoming anxiety and distress. There are many methods Okawa suggests using, but included among them is not comparing oneself to others and/or wallowing in self-pity. Overcoming negative influences, both spiritual and physical, can also be an important step to a solid grounding. Positive thinking, self-reflection, developing one's self-confidence and enriching one's spiritual understanding can help in this regard. Says Okawa: 'I believe that supreme success means broadening and deepening one's character, having a positive influence on as many people as possible, and guiding others in the right direction. It is essential to walk this path with courage.' All these dimensions combined will result in a person who shows the right attitude in life. Okawa explains using a simple illustration of an uncut diamond: 'There is a world of difference between those who see themselves as worthless pebbles, and those who see themselves as unpolished diamonds. If you believe that your true self is a diamond, the more you polish your own self, the more brilliantly you will shine, and the light you radiate will encourage you further.'
Happy Science is a worldwide movement for the happiness of humanity. By empowering individuals to achieve lasting happiness with teachings of 'universal truth', Happy Science L aims to create an ideal world – a world of harmony, love and prosperity. For more info, [email protected], Tel 031 207 1217 or visit www.happy-science.org. Books are available for purchase from www.publisher.co.za. Exclusive Books and other major bookstores in Durban and Johannesburg. Recommended retail prices are: Invincible Thinking (R140) and An Unshakable Mind (R130).
ife can be compared to the construction of a tunnel; it seems we are often obstructed by solid rock. Invincible thinking works as the powerful drill used to break through this rock. When we practise this way of thinking, we will rise above our circumstances and no longer feel defeat in our lives. This book shows you how to revolutionise your perception and in so