Always being aware of your environment

You should always be aware of your environment. It can not only be harmful to you mentally but spiritually, if you are unaware. At any given time you must shield your thoughts from environmental factors. Put on your Armor. It is in having been in unpleasant places that gave me more insight on how the mind truly works. We are supposed to live in the present, however we also must be aware at all times. You could become acclimated to any given surrounding, if you don't remain focused. It takes training of mind.

I suppose one could say years of being in dysfunction gave me a significant amount of insight on this very subject. It is having removed myself from the familiar that I came to truly understand self. I guess when you change those that you associate yourself with, that are not moving in a positive direction, you come to realize how they can affect your mind. Monkey mind is the not knowing how the mind works. I love my family, but monkey mind is money mind. Not good for my mindset at all.

Your normal pattern of thinking tends to change as you grow an cultivate your abilities. You grow each day if you focus on something that increases your knowledge. You can take even the smallest thing and learn something. Even if its the way someone continues to display sexually aggressive behavior. Take for instance being in a women's shelter. Many of the women have been incarcerated and have been subjected to rape or trauma. They project this same behavior off on others. They believe in their own minds, that forcing things upon someone else, is the way to get ahead. This would in fact be wrong. 

I have also encountered those that study the wrong religious doctrine. They believe projecting negative energy off on others will get them what they want. Energy is like a reflective mirror. The energy you put out, will be returned unto you. You reap what you sow. Project positive energy and it shall be returned. Not saying my doctrine is the right one, but it is right for me. It also allows for you to cultivate a positive character. Your character is what dictates the future you will have. Good intentions are everything with regard to life. Always remember that!