Layers of Mind (poem) by John Herlihy on AuthorsDen

Layers of Mind
by John Herlihy → (All Poetry by John Herlihy)
Saturday, June 26, 2021 Rated "G" by the Author.

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-- Layers of Mind -- John Herlihy Our thinking roams through corridors of mind; Sometimes thoughts visionary, other times blind. Worries and fears seem to arrive there at will; Plans need arranging that taste like a bitter pill. Whatever happens seems without much control; Random thoughts plague as if a thing we stole. A dentist appointment has me worrying for days; Negative thoughts intrude in many different ways. Even when we focus in on ideas we want to think; With little concentration, they disappear in a blink. Some faint praise brings my mind a moment of joy; Sometimes people ignore me like an abandoned toy. Much could be said of what makes us fully aware. Heightened consciousness from meditative prayer. Floating in grace through upper echelons of mind, Truths and realities striking notes of another kind. Instead of fear, better to inhabit another place, Lay waste to worry and feel flooded with grace. Peaceful contentment found in a certain room, In the attic of mind where buds begin to bloom. Some thoughts fretful in their misty evanescence; Others as white as snow glowing in their radiance. Into the shadows of our mind arrive prisms of light; Colors of the rainbow illuminating thoughts bright. Why settle for less when the mind does so much more; Mighty oceans never intimidated by presence of shore. Dark shadows of mind weakened by luminous mystery, That shines thru the quagmire with limitless possibility. Control the mind; otherwise, the mind controls us; Seek presence of mind in order to avoid all the fuss. All we have to do is remember the one thing needful; In upper echelons of mind lies the one thing heedful. - - - - - - Copyright © John Herlihy Monday 21 June 2021

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on July 10, 2021

LOVE! AND GOD IS LOVE...SO, EVEN IF WE 'LOSE IT' SOMETIMES, HE AND HIS LOVE IS IN CONTROL OF EVERYTHING! LOVED IT, THANKS, JOHN! LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATION

Reviewed by Corrine Ardoin

Reviewed on July 2, 2021

In practicing meditation, I catch my obsessive thoughts eventually, but not without them first taking me away from my meditation. Sometimes, I experience those "colors of the rainbow" and "prisms of light," and sometimes a flash of something real yet never before seen. There is a powerful rhythm to your poem I found very compelling. Very nice.

Reviewed by Odin odin@aflx.com

Reviewed on June 26, 2021

Your thorough poetic analysis struck a note in me, reminding me of one of my Professors of Philosophy's recommendations some time ago. The audiobook is very matter-of-fact, pulls no punches, and delves into your premise here in multiple directions. He too would share in your assessment that: "Control the mind; otherwise, the mind controls us". Although I've recommended this book to many of the younger generations, I find it is fitting to recommend it to seniors as well. Don't be put off by the title, as, like the dictionaries of the world, the f word has become a powerful means of expression much like the old days when we easily said "I don't give a damn." (Didn't Gable make that phrase famous? Anyway, here's the link: Well worth the firee first free month to listen to.

www.audiobooks.com/audiobook/subtle-art-of-not-giving-a-f-ck-a-counterintuitive-approach-to-living-a-good-life/270922

Reviewed by Richard Cederberg

"Control the mind; otherwise, the mind controls us;" Yes! In various instances, I agree John! We are what we eat, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. For all of us: the things we carry each waking hour are our thoughts. They are the only weight. My thoughts are a blessing and a friend, or they rip at me savagely and condemn me. My thought-processes constantly determine whether I am free and happy, or I am burdened and self-consumed. Here's to mental acuity and burgeoning creativity. Well expressed John. Much enjoyed. Thanks... rlc