The world in which you live
is not primarily determined
by outward conditions and circumstances
but by the thoughts that habitually occupy your mind.
Norman Vincent Peale
May 31, 1898 – December 24, 1993
Norman Vincent Peale was one of the most widely read inspirational writers of all time. He was pastor of New York City's Marble Collegiate Church, a prominent lecturer, and radio host and perhaps best known for his book, THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING.
I first became aware of his work in Guideposts Magazine (Peale was the editor and co-publisher) back in the days when Sue Monk Kidd was also a contributing author. In my opinion, he was in the forefront of ministers who encouraged Christians to begin to be accountable for their relationship with God rather than just depending upon a minister or a church. He was like a breath of fresh air all of those years ago.
In 1982, Norman Vincent Peale wrote another book, POSITIVE IMAGING. When I read this book, I immediately read it again, and then again. As I devoured his words, I could feel limitations fall away and I began to feel a part of faith once again rather than being separate. He was interested in developing the human spirit, the awakening of the soul. My, he was ahead of his time.
Peale stated about Positive Imaging: "The concept is a form of mental activity called imaging. It consists of vividly picturing in your mind a desired goal or objective and holding that image until it sinks into your unconscious where it releases great untapped energies."
Mr. Peale encouraged us to visualize our own well-being, to see our selves whole, healthy and energized. He believed that the key to health was practicing creative imaging. He explained that beautiful thoughts triggered the release of beneficial hormones which assisted the body in being healthy.
The Bible and scripture were frequently quoted in his writings. He believed hope, faith, and truth were vitally important once we set our goal, believed in attaining our goal, imagined it to a great degree, and made sure Divine Spirit was our partner.
My favorite part of POSITIVE IMAGING pertained to imaging Jesus the Christ or Buddha or any other Master . Here is what he suggested for creative imaging:
"Image Jesus as actually your personal friend. Don't regard Him as some remote, historical, stained-glass kind of figure. Image Him as your constant companion throughout the day. Paint a portrait in your mind of what you think He looks like. Fill in the details: His compassionate eyes, those strong carpenter's hands. How did His voice sound when He talked to people, when He told the story of the Prodigal Son, for example? He must have had a wonderful laugh; can you picture yourself sitting on a hillside in Galilee, hearing it? If you can picture that, why not picture Him sitting alongside of you right now?"
In POSITIVE IMAGING, Norman Vincent Peale documented stories about terminally ill patients who chose to use Positive Imaging in addition to their medical assistance. His words continue to be as they were in my younger adult years. He was definitely a large contribution to my beliefs of the body, mind, and spirit connection.
