The mind comes first. And even though it may take time to put the energy out into the world so that the good energy is reflected back, accept that fact as a good sport.

 "Remember that the mind comes first. And even though it may take time to put the energy out into the world so that the good energy is reflected back, accept that fact as a good sport. What you see getting reflected back is old karma, sometimes very old karma. But have some trust that the big issue is not the old karma, it’s the new karma you’re creating now. As the Buddha said, this is what makes the difference whether you are going to suffer right now or not. You don’t have to go back and wait for all your old karma to be straightened out; you don’t have to be tied down by your old karma.

Remember the image of the salt crystal. Your karma from the past is the crystal of salt, but what makes the difference is the quality of your mind right now. Is it the little tiny cup of water or is it the large river? That’s something you can choose. So, when you have that choice available, why not make the most of it?"

~ Thanissaro Bhikkhu "The Power of the Mind"

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