I was in love with the world of fine art and desired to work effectively in this field. I wanted to travel broadly on the largest ships and planes, visit the greatest cities and wonders of the world. I was eager to see the many famous museums and to enjoy in the original the great masterpieces that I had studied. Yet, among all these pleasures something seemed to be missing; not knowing exactly what, I called it my “Undefined Wonder.”
Totally ignorant of the laws of the mind, I merely wished and hoped, and my desires remained unfulfilled. Finally, I began to look for the reasons and learned that wishing and hoping have no power of fulfillment. At last I learned of the creative process of the mind, and committed myself to a nightly practice of constructive new mental habits.
In imagination, I worked joyfully and effectively in the field of fine art. In my mind I did all that I assumed I would be doing were it already realized. I fantasized that my room was a lovely, private stateroom aboard ship where I traveled far and wide. In imagination, I smelled the salt air over the ocean, saw and heard the white seagulls flying overhead. In my mind, I met lovely people, dined with several charming men, promenaded on deck with the ship’s officers and danced the nights away all across the Atlantic. In Europe, I thrilled at the famous museums and enjoyed a variety of social activities. And I finished each dream rehearsal silently celebrating my undefined wonder.
And so vividly and happily did I embody all the sensations and tones of reality that after only three weeks of faithful nightly practice and without a word to anyone or any outward effort whatever, suddenly I was offered an elegant position in the field of fine art. And I worked with a collection of Renaissance masters, including Rembrandt and Leonardo da Vinci.
Then one day my employer came to me and announced that something very important was about to occur in the field of great paintings and he needed to send me to Europe for five weeks, all expenses paid. Imagine my joy. Soon I was actually in my lovely private stateroom, traveling first class and round trip on the two largest ships afloat. Everything was a delight.
The dining room steward, with no knowledge of my creative dream rehearsals, actually seated me with three charming gentlemen, two of whom owned important New York art galleries and the third of whom was an Italian movie producer returning home from Hollywood. Two of the ship’s officers in their impeccable white uniforms, unaware that I had been walking with them in my dreams, invited me for a daily promenade on deck. One of them invited me on a tour of the ship, which included descending into the hold on narrow vertical ladders to see the mysterious engine room with its enormous motors that empowered this majestic, floating city. It was mind-expanding and fascinating to see, especially with such a handsome and attentive officer as my guide. They taught me to say ship, not boat, and to make U-turns navy-style. The evenings were great fun and with several gallant partners I danced all across the Atlantic.
Arriving in Paris in the evening, I was lavishly wined and dined in one of the city’s most famous restaurants, where course after course of gourmet masterpieces seemed never ending. The following day I was invited to a private sit-down luncheon for fourteen. Knowing that it was to be another sumptuous affair of the table, my stomach protested two such extravaganzas in succession. So I tried to decline, but my gracious hosts refused to accept my regrets and I attended unwillingly.
It is important to note that after we have rehearsed a mental pattern until it is well established and highly energized, it will objectify in our experience unless we choose to revise it. In imaginal experience, I had firmly recorded in my subconscious some “Undefined Wonder” that I assumed had already occurred during my five-week trip. In keeping with the dependable laws and powers of cause and effect, my subconscious mind found the means to manifest this wonder. So even against my wishes, I was caused to attend the luncheon where the wonder did, in fact, occur.
Among the many pleasures of my trip was seeing the highlights of Paris, London and Rome, as well as the storybook city of Venice, Marseilles and the Isle of Capri. Fulfilling the main purpose of my trip, I strolled leisurely through the famous museums, savoring many of my favorite works of art.
I assure you that every detail I rehearsed in “the inner domain of causes” was experienced in “the outer world of effects.” And the continued practice of my waking dreams resulted in some fifty deluxe trips from the Far East to the Far West, as well as much more important things: an ideal marriage, our fine son Neville, and a beautiful and enriching life together.
Yes, experience is the mirror of our mind, and our dominant thought patterns and the blueprints of tomorrow.
