Sir, - Our society needs to adapt if it is to survive. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find peace of mind in this fast-moving, commercial world. The positive development of our society, in turn, depends on our own states of mind. I propose a small but definite step towards a more harmonious society: an annual positive thought day.
We are under the constant influence of individuals, both familiar and unknown to us, and of society as a whole, and we in turn influence everyone else. Above all, our thoughts, feelings and actions determine the quality of the world we live in. Mind triumphs over matter. Realising and acting on this, we may change society for the better by a means perhaps not considered before. Just as positive thought has proven beneficial in patients recovering from illness, so too is it instrumental in the regeneration of our society.
Positive Thought Day would be one day of the year on which we focus on progress of a non-material kind. The means of achieving this will vary from person to person - a simple and effective method is to sit or lie in a quiet room and focus attention on sensations in the body (especially breathing). The most important thing to remember, however, is to focus on the positive side of life, rather than chastising ourselves over the state of things.
The existence of Positive Thought Day would not depend upon endorsement by any official body - the only requirement is that individuals partake. I propose that it take place on the June 21st (the summer solstice) each year, beginning in 1999. - Yours, etc., Carl Casey,
Herbert Street, Dublin 2.