Paying It Forward, Chopra Style
Photo credit: Donatas Grinius
So I’ve been chugging along with my Deepak Chopra 21-Day Meditation Challenge. I’ve been digging the idea that “everything we want, need, and desire is already within us.” I look forward to sitting quietly in the morning and just listening. I’ve been eager to tap into this pool of unlimited happiness, prosperity, creativity, and love. I could do this meditation thing all day long!
But then on Day 9, Deepak hits me with a curve ball. The meditation is called “Abundance and the Law of Giving” and in it he informs me that if I want an abundant life I have to do 2 things. First, I have to accept life’s goodness. Second, I have to help others achieve an abundant life as well. My abundance will increase in proportion to the amount I give .
The first is doable. I see evidence of good in people and events with increasing frequency. The second, well that’s a little more challenging. You mean to tell me that if I want to be creative and successful and loved, I have to help others get these things first? That I have to leave the comfort of my family room and actually do something for somebody else? I’m no longer the center of my meditation universe? For a moment this challenge started to feel a lot like hard work.
But then I realized that this kind of help is offered to me daily. My kids help me see the world in a new light and amaze me with their ability to forgive. My parents share their experience and demonstrate their unconditional love of my children on a daily basis. My husband adores me and supports all of my creative efforts. He will stop and listen to my newest epiphany right in the middle of the football game, even when the Bears have the ball and it’s third and goal. My girlfriends have walked me through the most difficult moments of my life with a level of compassion that’s astounding. Living examples of life’s goodness surround me!
So today I will be mindful of all who help me along the way and hope to return the favor.
This is my prayer: ”Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” ~Mother Teresa
What will you be mindful of today?
Love,
Becky
Posted on November 15, 2012, in Health & Wellness, Home and tagged Deepak Chopra, Deepak Chopra 21 Day Meditation Challenge, meditation, Mother Teresa, Parenting. Bookmark the permalink. 6 Comments.
Becky, I love what you are posting about this 21- day meditation challenge. I was curious, so I clicked on the link and spent some time on the Deepak Chopra web site. I think I learned that my Chakra’s are out of wack.. no surprise there. I have been keenly aware that my spiritual condition is suffering of late. I am in a slump; somewhat overwhelmed by an extraordinarily busy time in my life and a poorly executed remedy for that reality. I have been praying on the train in the morning, using daily scripture readings and reflections. I have been reading rote prayers and calling to mind all those I love who need prayer support. I am trying my best to be a prayer warrior, yet I continue to feel restless, irritable and discontent. I have not been able to run due to a foot injury that I am nursing; so is my spiritual condition so strongly tied to my ability to run? Sadly, I think it is and I am ashamed to own that. What I would rather own is a path to alternative ways to meet those needs and to not have my spiritual condition arrested by a temporary (I hope) blip. It is a statement about trying to have the long view, see the bigger picture, get creative and figure out what else I can do. My former attitude reeks of rigidity; a dangerous place for me to go. To that end, your ideas about finding ways to help others obtain their own fullness of life, will yield a fullness of life for me. So I need to stay grateful for the simple things like waking up today, like having people in my life who love me and who I love, like being grateful everyday for the abundance in my life and even for accepting that where I am spiritually/emotionally may not be ideal, but I have the tools, capacity and desire to change that.
Thank you… your blog, you women ( and Warren) are awesome!
Thank you, Kim. It has been such an interesting ride so far. Some new ideas but much reinforcement of what we already know to be true.
What I love most about blogging is the honest and thoughtful conversations that sprout up in every area of my life. You have done much to contribute to those conversations and I am so thankful to you for that!
It’s so hard when we realize we are repeating old patterns but I guess the good news is is that we realize it much faster. One thing that was mentioned during this morning’s meditation is that acceptance of our current situation and struggles as being divinely perfect is a must if we want to move forward. Looks like you’re already moving in that direction.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us today.
Love,
Becky
Thank you Becky and Kim for your insight. Chopra’s lesson on Acceptance was exactly where I needed to be today. I, too, am enjoying the 21 day challenge, and love to hear everyone’s insight
. Fee
Becky – I struggled with the same question! And then because I am who I am, I selfishly thought – I DO that ALL the time (help others achieve) ! I mean who else cooks dinner, does laundry, pays bills, cleans the house??? OHHHHH……then I realized-I do those things for ME, I try to convince myself that I do them for everyone else, but truly in order for me to feel sane & get through the day I do my ‘chores’.
But man, then what I thought …. I have to now find the heart to aid others achieve what I would like more of?! Yep, for me it’s being supportive, a good friend, someone encouraging, forgiving & understanding – when I work on those things I feel better about myself & I think then I become the mirror rather than the reflection.
It’s been so GREAT listening to these meditations…..I think I may have to research & invest in some CD’s
HAVE A SPLENDID DAY!!!!
Thanks for sharing, Dianne! It’s tough but I am glad we are all on the trip together!
Love,
Becky
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