Yes, I have found more ways in which the Master Key Experience applies to being a Mindful Pilgrim.

As I read The Master Key System yet again, I am amazed how different lessons leap off the page to inspire me anew. And I am delighted to see parallels between the Master Key Experience and the Camino de Santiago.

Affirmations

In Week 9, Haanel talks about affirmations and introduces the phrase “I am whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy.”

Man is the sum total of his own thoughts; so, the question is, how are we going to entertain only the good thoughts and reject the evil ones? At first, we can’t keep the evil thoughts from coming, but we can keep from entertaining them. The only way to do this is to forget them — which means, get something for them. This is where the ready-made affirmation comes into play.

Charles Haanel, The Master Key System 9:27

This is by utilizing the Law of Substitution. When we substitute an affirmation for a negative thought, we are keeping to our ‘Mental Diet’ and maintaining a more ‘Positive Mental Attitude.’

If there is anything you require, it will be well for you to make use of this affirmation; it cannot be improved upon. Use it just as it is; take it into the silence with you, until it sinks into your subconsciousness, so that you can use it anywhere, in your car, in the office, at home; this is the advantage of spiritual methods; they are always available. Spirit is omnipresent, every ready; all that is required is a proper recognition of its omnipotence, and a willingness or desire to become the recipient of its beneficent effects.

Charles Haanel, The Master Key System 9:29

I love that this affirmation is available always, everywhere. Use it frequently to create a powerful habit.

In fact, I used this affirmation this week when I had a bout of a stomach malady in the middle of the night. Though it didn’t cure me, I was able to focus on the positive and get back to sleep. In the morning, I was at least somewhat rested, and grateful to have access to medicine, clean water and indoor plumbing.

The Truth

This powerful affirmation is ‘the Truth’ and puts us in touch with our higher power.

To think correctly, accurately, we must know the ‘Truth.’ The truth then is the underlying principle in every business or social relation. It is a condition precedent to every right action. To know the truth, to be sure, to be confident, affords a satisfaction beside which no other is at all comparable; it is the only solid ground in a world of doubt, conflict and danger.

To know the Truth is to be in harmony with the Infinite and Omnipotent power. To know the truth is, therefore, to connect yourself with a power which is irresistible, and which will sweep away every kind of discord, inharmony, doubt or error of any kind, because the ‘Truth is mighty and will prevail.’

Charles Haanel, The Master Key System Part 9:6-7

The Camino

The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage walk through Northern Spain. It is a Hero’s Journey that can be spiritual and/or religious; and can make a profound impact on the pilgrim’s life, perhaps an awakening.  The Camino is a special place, filled with special people. I believe it is a place of Truth.

Haanel talks about the nearness of great people, events, ideas, and natural objects. This could certainly apply to the Camino.

He who has learned to bring the greatest spiritual truths into touch with the so-called lesser things of life has discovered the secret of the solution of his problem. One is always quickened, made more thoughtful, by his nearness of approach to great ideas, great events, great natural objects, and great men.

Charles Haanel, The Master Key System 9:17

Living with Love in My Heart

In The Greatest Salesman in the World, Og Mandino gives us 10 simple yet profound lessons to apply in our lives. Lesson 2 is about love and kindness.

For this is the greatest secret of success in all ventures. Muscle can split a shield and even destroy life but only the unseen power of love can open the hearts or men and until I master this art, I will remain no more than a peddler in the marketplace. I will make love my greatest weapon and none on whom I call can defend against its force.

Og Mandino, The Greatest Salesman in the World, p. 58-59

He encourages us to greet everyone with kindness, love, respect. The way I understand Og, he is setting us up for success in all things, not just being a salesman.

The Mindful Pilgrim

Recently I attended a Camino de Santiago event and was gifted with a small card with an affirmation of sorts.

There is a blessing on one side and a verse about being a Mindful Pilgrim on the other.

I feel that this fits in nicely with the Master Key Experience, Og’s Second Scroll of Success, and indeed with living a good life.

A friend of mine likes to say that she feels she is walking a pilgrimage daily, in her life at home or abroad.

The way I see it, when we live as a Mindful Pilgrim – with kindness, respect, openness, curiosity (and gratitude) – we live our best lives – whether at home, in Spain, or anywhere else in the world.

Click HERE for more information about the Master Key Experience, and how you can apply these powerful life lessons.