What is Goodness?
As children we may have been told to 'be good' many times. Usually that meant obedience. Obedience can be good. However sometimes to be good means defiance. Real universal good is multidimensional. Goodness is health and balance in all areas of your life and in society. Highest good, known as the summum bonum, means what is best for all.
Positive Intentions
Actions have various aspects: intention, planning and implementation. The first thing to do is have positive intentions. That is the foundation without which truly good actions cannot take place. The positive intentions are important but must be carried out thoughtfully and skillfully. Good planning involves careful consideration. Good implementation requires diligence and training where possible. Experience improves planning and implementation but only if the positive intentions are there. So be aware of your intentions and uplift them in accordance with the highest good.
Higher Levels
We might not always know what the highest good is in a situation. Inwardly wishing that things turn out in accordance with the highest good is a positive intention. It means: whatever the real highest good is, even I do not know it. For Theists/those who believe in a higher power such as God, "In accordance with the highest good" is a prayer and a commitment to want to do the highest good. It is also a faith that in the long run and sometimes despite appearances, the highest good will be done. For atheists and agnostics etc the "in accordance with the highest good" phrase is directed at the wisest part of oneself.
Caution Over Positive Affirmations
Positive affirmations mean well but sometimes slight errors in the wording can have a negative effect. By inwardly saying "In accordance with the highest good" this can be mitigated. For example, a poorly phrased affirmation might focus on a specific outcome without considering unintended consequences. By adding the highest good phrase it communicates to yourself and the universe that you intend it to turn out well and if it is harmful you do not want it to happen. Another example is someone restricting positive outcome with their phrasing. They might say: 'give me the strength to tolerate this headache'. However the phrase implies that the headache will be continuing. So it is better to say may the headache be healed in accordance with the highest good. The phrase is like a bridging phrase between your words which might have issues and the ideal outcome.
All Aspects
Highest good implies balance. It is not just focusing on business success at the expense of your health and family relations for example. It is not just ideal health but at the expense of your finances or study time etc. Every area should support and be supported by every other area.
Highest good in all areas includes tidiness, efficiency, interpersonal relationships, health, philosophy, finances, reputation and character.
The Virtues
Your character includes the virtues such as bravery, kindness, determination and patience plus many more positive qualities. Study these within yourself and others in accordance with the highest good. By healing your character you will be happier, more successful and a better instrument for good.
Keep the Phrase in Mind
If you see the value in the phrase: "In accordance with the Highest Good" consider making it part of your daily thoughts. You can write it somewhere that you will see everyday along with other favourite affirmations and quotes. A good place is in your new tab page via the Thoughtogram Chrome extension. A new tab page is ideal for those who use the internet regularly.