Second is the powerful, dynamic engine of emotion, which keeps the whole accumulation of abilities running, colors the many varieties of personality, and with whatever mistakes it makes is still the element that makes life interesting and worth living.
And last, but by no means least, is the capacity to think functionally; that is, to hang onto the coattails of the darting ego and bring a species of order into its electric activity. Thinking functionally, being spontaneously able to apply more awareness of how cause and effect relate to each other in our lives, could untangle many tight knots humanity is struggling to untie.
Function is a peculiarly important word, but it has not, until recently perhaps, been thought of in its specific value to the thinking of the average person. It has long been used by the scientists, mathematicians, and those who expect to use their minds to their best possible function to help them in their chosen work. As a matter of fact, effective function can be used to excellent effect by average people if they can brush off their awe of the specially trained mind and recognize that all of us can develop a better functioning of our thought processes, with added benefit to our lives. A mind that functions well is a gift straight from heaven, but because we are miracles, over-abundantly gifted by Life, there are other powerful elements in humanity that must be brought into as good final function as the mind. The most disturbingly powerful of all is human emotion. It is of a different nature than the mind, but the latter must cooperate with it smoothly if we are to escape from that demon conflict, emotional and mental strife, which can sap the strength of a Hercules.
How shall we do it? Not certainly by refusing to consider the matter. We can learn a great deal about ourselves: how our minds and emotions work; what causes them to act contrary to our ultimate best interests; how to recognize the mishandling of emotion which is sure to end in trouble that could be avoided. And, perhaps, most of all how to react to an untrained ego which too often seeks personal self-expansion by any means, at any price.
Excerpt from: SELF-MASTERY by Dr. David Seabury
Man is an emotional, mental, and spiritual being, and unless, and until he recognizes these three aspects of his nature and discovers how to have them harmonize with each other, difficulties will be encountered. However, by paying close attention to these three factors, nurturing them, and carefully controlling them, a self mastery can be achieved which will open up a wonderful new experience in living.
Dr. Seabury consistently emphasized the necessity of the individual recognizing his complex nature.
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