Every now and again the many people who attend the mind-power and self-healing classes here on the Sunshine Coast are asked to see if they can get through one whole week without verbally criticising other persons to their faces or behind their backs. One good and honest friend said she "didn't even make it to the door." Of course, it is one thing to control our tongues and quite another to control our thoughts. Still, it is well worth the effort in order to gain awareness of what patterns of negative thought we habitually slip into. How frequently we criticise others and our own selves.

Too often we feel unworthy and fear rejection; that we will not succeed in our endeavours. You may be surprised to learn that worrying is a form of atheism. Our fears prevent us from making any moves. Good children do not ask, but then, good children never get. Never be afraid to ask. If you are told 'no' you will be precisely where you were before you asked. You have absolutely nothing to lose. Rejection is not failure, nor is it a permanent condition; unless you choose to believe it is . A wise man learns to avoid that which causes dissatisfaction, not that which might cause it.

When you yourself are in a position to say yes or no to others, be aware of your own attitudes. Many parents say no to their children out of habit, a conditioned response. Sometimes for other reason.

"Why?" asks the child.

"Because I said so!" replies the parent.

That is the way slaves were spoken to. Having respect for the young does not mean giving up discipline. Observe nature and see how a lioness will cuff her cubs in order to train them. A child needs a cuff also, in order to learn the parameters of social behaviour. Beating a child is another matter altogether. It is a good thing to allow children their spontaneity, but not at the expense of others.

Moderate use of the cane, in the schoolroom, and in the sense of cuffing a child as opposed to beating a child, would go far in limiting the boundaries of socially unacceptable behaviour. Social graces, on the other hand, should be taught at home; though many adults lack these graces themselves. Two generations ago it was important that a young man or woman should display good breeding. A man would give up his seat for anyone older or weaker than himself. Healthy young women would do the same. A man would open the door and stand back to allow an older person or a woman to enter or exit before him. It's a strong man's courtesy, and it was beautiful to behold. Nowadays he could be arrested for sexual harassment. Lao Tzu said, "The wise leader does not interfere with the lives of the people." What a tragedy that our government has not learned this. It intrudes upon the raising of our children. It is illegal to physically discipline a child. A smack can be construed as child abuse; at home or in school. Verbal abuse of parents and teachers is intolerable.

The right to receive a free education should not apply to those who disrupt the class. They should be sent home until they are ready to behave with consideration and respect for their classmates and teachers. Put the onus for good or bad behaviour back on the individual. There is no point in learning good English if you cannot use it harmlessly.