Henry Wood in "Ideal Suggestion through Mental Photography" says: "At no previous time have the influence and potency of thought received such careful and discriminating investigation as is now being centered upon it. While a few seers of keen and intuitive perception have grasped the great fact that thought is the universal substance and basis of all things, never until the present era has this vital truth penetrated the more general consciousness. The intuitive comprehension of this truth is no longer limited to a Plato, Paul, or Emerson, but is grasped by many minds who are striving to give it articulation."

Power can never be increased by the repeated retrospect of one's blunders and failures. They are of the past; and, as far as one may, should be assigned to oblivion. To-day is fresh with promise and our desire and the work between it and us as well should be idealized. Then, the object sought and the path to it become doubly attractive and inviting. We can forbid the possibility of failure, by holding firmly before the mental vision the ideal of what we are striving for as a prize that is ours, and simply waiting our advancing to it and claiming it. Between us and the attainment sought is that space which often intervenes between one and the place he desires to reach. Distance is overcome by time, and the method of conveyance is the measure of the time required. In overcoming distances or spaces which may be classed as mental, our thoughts are the dray-horses, the steam engines or the electric motors. We can control thought, and if we discipline our mental faculties to do the bidding of will, we shorten the distance or time between us and our purpose by discarding the dray-horse pace of thought of sluggish mentality by bringing to it the finer and swifter vibrations to meet the demands of this age of steam and electricity. Then also we may exult that there can be recorded no failures as we work directly forward towards the goal, being merged with ana into the mental-building thought vibrations of this history-making period in man's unfoldment.

If for any reason health has been impaired, or if one's work demand severe strains on his physical powers, perfect health is requisite primarily for the attainment of purpose. Reasonable attention to exercise, and systematic arrangement of hours of work and rest should be given of course; and, assuming that this has been or is being done, suggestion can be appealed to to do all the rest. Let one take a half hour every morning, and sit in a comfortable position with both feet resting on the floor. Let him take several deep breaths, counting eight to ten in inhaling and the same number in exhaling. This induces passiveness which is to be sought first. Then let him draw an ideal photograph of himself as he would have himself - that is really his true physical self, in spite of the mirror declaring to the contrary. It is not a change of the general outline one desires, but a filling up in places, and a face and form which possess and reflect health and vigor. Sitting there, let him concentrate on that mental photograph as being a perfect reflection of himself. Let him for ten minutes, at least, silently repeat some phrases descriptive of this ideal self, or of its powers as "I am perfect in vigor - perfect in health - perfect in the entire physical being." "I can endure the greatest of mental or physical tasks without growing weary." "I am whole and sound in every part." "I dedicate myself mentally and physically to the glorious work of the advancement of man." These or similar phrases will fashion themselves in language, and best be spoken silently though forcibly. Then, the last ten minutes of the sitting it is best to relax, and quietly contemplate the joy when the end is attained and victory won, yet always viewing that time as not distant but here and now.

If the morning half hour is taken for health, then give a half hour in the evening or middle of the day (the time is immaterial) for a sitting to fill the subconscious mind with the purpose in view. Breathing exercises should always precede the suggesting of the ideal to this other self within. Then again, let one draw the mental photograph of all he would be - let it be clear and distinct, let the face outlined show the power, dignity and manhood that belong to the one possessing the attainment desired. Concentrate upon this ideal picture, and afterward review it passively.

It may be asked if there is no other work to do than this? I reply, of course there is. One must do the work required to gain the prize in the usual way. If the end sought is that of completing a college course of studies, one will be required to devote the time and energy the curriculum calls for to study. The holding of the ideal photograph then being to see himself or herself a graduate (with honors if desired) with degree won. The sending of the suggestion to occipital consciousness, or to the subconscious mind - the holding of the mental photograph by objective consciousness and impressing it by so doing upon that unexplored region of mystic activity are the required acts of ours to lighten the path to the end, to aid in the overcoming of all obstacles, and to insure the attainment of the cherished purpose.

The gaining and preserving of perfect health, and the securing of a broad foundation for an education are after all but starting bases in the purpose of life. They are, however, elementary conditions to be attained that more serious work may be done. It is really, after all this is passed, that the most wonderful power of suggestion is made manifest. I hinted at this at the commencement of this essay; and, running through nearly all the papers in this volume, the reader will find I claim it is through suggestion that man's power has grown to be what it is to-day.

The method of its use has unfortunately lacked system. In fact, there has been no method until during the last quarter of a century. Its real power was not understood, and its philosophy is still involved in much of mysticism. To-day, however, we know noble desire to embody within itself the power of expression; and that that desire can by objective consciousness be impressed upon subconscious mind (or possibly upon several minds or selves of which we know little), and that then, it, through ways and avenues we know not of, works out the problems and brings us the blessings, if only we do with willingness the tasks before us, holding our faith perfect, and keeping our mental eye firmly fixed upon the goal.

I have found, and hundreds and hundreds of others as well, that by auto-suggestion the minor needs and desires of life may be attained as well as the more serious ones. These results may be brought about quickly when once one has learned how to plant the suggestion in the gray matter of the brain. This is a discipline each must undertake for himself. The method herein presented has brought success to many, but probably other methods may be found more acceptable to some of my readers. I can only present what I have absolutely proven to be practical. I have learned, also, that the sending forward of suggestion after one retires and just before sleep overtakes him has repeatedly proven effective and accomplished the purpose.

I feel just at closing that I may add one thought in way of possible explanation of this silent, wondrous force suggestion sets in motion. The physician (as far as pertains to healing) calls it vis medicatrix naturae, the theologian, God, and Herbert Spencer, a part of that great force behind all, never yet fully compassed. May there not be a harmony found on which all these conclusions may rest? In all my work, I have come to recognize that there must be a central force working out unfoldment to all - a force whose only purpose is good. We connect ourselves to that force though we may not comprehend how, because there are vibrative links binding us to it; and yet may not these vibrative links be a host of spirit consciousnesses which form the stations (if I may so speak) along that wireless line through the ethers of space? In all future advancement of man, he must, if he would progress, take into account the force or the forces on the other side. May it not be that they directly help mould longing into suggestion and then quicken mentality to action that honors may be won? Since we have learned as much as we have of the purpose and power of our spirit guides, can we help but believe that in this field they find work in which they delight? Some day, I prophesy, old spirits who have progressed far will return to us here, when we are strong enough to understand; and these spirits will explain mysteries the laboratories and telescopes have not unraveled, and they will also bring forward such complete proofs of their eternal vigilance that man must accept, and then we all shall know.

"Old Age is not a friend I wish to meet;

And if some day to see me he should come,

I'd lock the door as he walked up the street,

And cry, 'Most honored sir! I'm not at home.'"

- From The Japanese Of Chisato

Man, in all that marks his individuality, is a reflection of his thoughts entertained during his lifetime. They stamp on his face, character, and on his form, vigor or decay.

The fountain of youth was sought for in the past - today, a strong intellectual manhood or womanhood, till one feels he has completed his purpose, is the desire of the workers in the world. Within our own mentalities is the crystal, life-giving spring. If we seek we shall find.