“The Game of Life And How To Play It“, is a short, but mighty powerful read. Published in 1925, the author, Florence Scovel-Shinn, was an early 20th-century metaphysics teacher and prosperity writer. Scovel-Shinn reminds readers they each have a path they are to follow, and must do so with clarity, to prevent getting in their own way. Her teachings abide by seven laws, which include:
The Law of Prosperity – (supporting others as well as yourself in success/abundance).
The Power of The Word / Law of the Word – (words are strong, and what you say or hear will influence your path).
The Law of Nonresistance – (what you resist persists).
The Law of Karma – (do good for/ be kind to others and it will come back to you or those that you love).
The Law of Forgiveness – (let go of resentments, forgive and forget).
Casting The Burden / Law of Surrender – (let go of controlling your path, surrender to a higher power and believe it will be worked out).
The Law of Love – (lead with love, however, you must follow the other laws in order to receive true unconditional love).
For me, understanding these laws through Scovel-Shinn’s perspective was valuable in my recent realization of “letting things. I now feel confident in following the path created specifically for me. In fact, in the few short weeks since reading this book I have witnessed how these laws play out, and feel free from my control. In the past, I tried to control my path, and talked myself out of perusing dreams while talking myself into things that had no grounds. I allowed negative thoughts to take control and get in my way. This excerpt from the book helped me expel those feelings and thoughts “I now smash and demolish (by my spoken word) every untrue record in my subconscious mind. They shall return to the dust-heap of their native nothingness, for they came from my own vain imaginings. I now make my perfect records through the Christ within– The records of Health, Wealth, Love and perfect self-expression“.
Fear was another form of control I had over myself, and it was in this sentence I changed my perspective; “Fear is misdirected energy and must be redirected or transmuted into Faith.” It is easy to become fearful, especially for worriers. I have reflected on people in my life who have no fear, and what they have, different than worriers is a whole lot of faith. Now, when I find myself fearful, I turn that fear into faith and know it will work out as it is meant to.
The book has a series of stories of how the laws impact lives, which teach the power of strong belief and affirmation. People who followed the laws changed their lives for the better. They were taught affirmations and used them as a tool for success. Towards the end of the book, Scovel-Shinn lists many powerful affirmations. This part happened to be my favorite and has taught me how to use affirmations daily. A few of my favorites include:
“Every plan my Father in heaven has not planned shall be dissolved and dissipated, and the Divine Idea now comes to pass.”
“My eyes are God’s eyes, I see with the eyes of spirit. I see clearly the open way; there are no obstacles on my pathway. I see clearly the perfect plan.”
“I have perfect work, in a perfect way; I give perfect service; for perfect pay.”
“The Game of Life” is a quick, easy and life-changing book. It changes perspective and allows for freedom from oneself. Each day I reflect back on the laws and how I am using them in my daily life. Each day I share some of this wisdom with others. And now, I share it with you.
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