Day 6: Law of Detachment

We have come to the last day of our study with Deepak Chopra’s “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga”.  It has been a good touchstone for me and I hope you have gained some nugget each week.

This is the law that  feels so paradoxical.  We first are asked to identify our need and desire for a certain outcome……..and then relinquish all attachment to the outcome.  That is very difficult for us!  The irony is that when we do, that very thing we desire is more likely to manifest.  Have the intention to fulfill the desire………..and then let it go.  Let go of what it will look like, how it could manifest and when it will occur….surrender the outcome.

Choose……then surrender!

I have certainly fought against this law many times!  I want what I want when I want it!!!  Ever feel that way?  And I think I know exactly how it should unfold and what it should look like and when it should occur!

I have suffered when I have held on too tightly to a desired outcome at a certain time.  As I have gained more inner security and strength, I am able to trust more often that what is in front of me is exactly perfect. I know there are some pretty tough lessons in life and I have certainly been faced with them myself.  Struggling against them, not wanting them, has never helped.  In fact, in makes the pain more intense and the unfairness seem more acute.

“Attachment is based on fear and insecurity.”

Usually the “thing” we want is outside ourselves.  We do not have control over it.  It may occur, it may not.  And even if it does will it be enough ?  Or how long will “it” be enough and then we think we “need” something else to be happy.

As long as we put our happiness in the hands of something or someone else, life will feel very precarious.

It is the development or perhaps more to the truth, the uncovering of our own innate joy.    Regardless of what is happening in our life.

Sounds like a tall order.

But what if you could tap into a curiosity of the unknown?  What if you had faith that there is a pearl within this seemingly difficult situation?  What if you could just be open to what is happening rather than trying to control how things unfold?   Then, I believe, we could  experience more excitement, adventure, exhilaration and the mystery of life.

Deepak’s 3 steps:

1.  Practice detachment.  Begin to notice where you are clinging, needy or desparate.  What is it you  think you have to have to feel complete or happy?  You do not need to let go of the desire and yet you need to let go of the outcome.  Can you begin this practice.  “I surrender to what is.”  “I choose to embrace the life I do have.”  “I choose joy over craving.”

2.  Embrace uncertainty.  Let yourself become curious about this grand mystery we awaken to each and every day!  The more we let go, the more expansive and magnetic we are.

3. Surrender to the field of pure potentiality.  Notice how the more you step back from your urgent needing, the more of what you want begins to flow towards you!

There you have it!  This is a powerful principle.  The more you can begin to embrace this the more joy you will experience in your life.  I promise.

Much love, melaniej