One of the most well known books ever written on success is James Allan's "As a man thinketh."

This book advocates thinking in a positive manner in order to create the life you dream of having. It suggests all you have to do is change your internal dialogue and you can begin to adopt a successful mind set. After an unspecified time you will then "have it all."

For some this approach has undoubtedly worked.

For many others it has manifestly not done so. There are more books written and read on positive thinking than on most any other subject. This has made some difference to people's lives but real change has not manifested for too many others.

I think this is because the writing of James Allen has been understood only at a surface level. In his wonderful book "As a man thinketh," he writes: -

"As a man thinketh in his heart so is he, not only embraces the whole of a mans being, but is so comprehensive as to reach out to every condition and circumstance."

Note the language.

It is a form of language you do not hear in today's personal growth market. I think this is why it is not so well understood. James Allen clearly states, "As a man thinketh in his heart?" He is, to my mind, talking about clearly making an emotional connection with one's heart.

This is where all positive change begins.

The heart speaks to one's being and not only to the intellect. The intellect is only a part of the wholeness of our humanity. Thinking positive thoughts can go some way to creating a wonderful experience of what it means to be alive. However, being alive is not just an intellectual experience. It is a when fully allowed a free flowing experience of delight.

The heart knows things that the head can never imagine.

The heart embraces the imagination. James Allen uses the word "embrace" in the above passage. The mind does not embrace. It rationalises. The mind operates in a linear fashion. It moves from point A to point B. An embrace is something that encircles you. A circle is complete it is not something that is partial. A circle is more holistic.

James Allen goes on to say that this "thinketh of the heart" is so comprehensive it affects all conditions and circumstances. It is in effect transformative. It changes ones relationship to life and living.

I personally think James Allan would have been better naming his wonderful book "As a man feels." This I think would guide many others to the experience of "embracing a man's being. It would more clearly focus one on the free flow of feeling within the body allied to ones purpose and values.

This connection with your purpose and values at the heart level raises passion. This is the real power that will "reach out to every condition and circumstance." This will be a warmer and more powerful experience than the cool application of simply repeating positive words and phrases.

Remember you are already forever enough no matter how much positive thinking you may apply to your being. Remember that the Blessing is already here and you are it.

Tony Cuckson is an Anam Cara. This Celtic term means "Soul Friend." He specializes in providing insight for the spiritual journey, Blessings for YOU, words of wisdom and finding inner peace. Visitors to Irish Blessings Matter website and Tony's Blog get the opportunity to develop a purpose driven life through articles, newsletters and other programs.

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