An important spiritual law is here involved. I have…
““An important spiritual law is here involved. I have explained that you can weaken his prayers by diverting his attention from the Enemy Himself to his own states of mind about the Enemy. On the other hand fear becomes easier to master when the patient’s mind is diverted from the thing feared to the fear itself, considered as a present and undesirable state of his own mind; and when he regards the fear as his appointed cross he will inevitably think of it as a state of mind. One can therefore formulate the general rule; in all activities of mind which favour our cause, encourage the patient to be unself-conscious and to concentrate on the object, but in all activities favourable to the Enemy bend his mind back on itself.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Diverting attention from a feared object to the feeling of fear itself can reduce its power; focusing on the object strengthens resolve.
In simple terms: Shift focus from fear to the fear itself.
Key Takeaway
Redirect attention to diminish fear.
Themes
psychology
spirituality
mindfulness
fear management
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
self‑help
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- meditation practice
- stressful negotiations
Key Concepts
cognitive reframing
spiritual discipline
mental focus
Questions to Reflect On
- How does focusing on fear change its impact?
- When is confronting the object more effective?
A Different Perspective
The approach may not work for all types of fear or trauma.