The Law of Least Effort

The Law of Least Effort====================
When it comes to healing, The Chopra Center for Well Being suggests applying "The Law of Least Effort" which Dr. Deepak Chopra defines as this:
Accepting people, situations, and events as they occur. Taking responsibility for your situation and for all events seen as problems. Relinquishing the need to defend your point of view.
How does this formula make for an easy and happy life?
First, by accepting people, situations, and events as they occur, we surrender our need to control others. Think about it-what happens when we don't accept people, situations, and events as they occur? We generally wind up trying to control them! Many have learned, from trial and error, this universal truth: It's impossible to control others and almost impossible to control most situations. And "control" is the opposite of "freedom." When we want to be free, we mustn't control. Pastor Reinhold Niebuhr made famous this prayer: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
Second, when we take responsibility for our lives, we are no longer held hostage by the past; the present views, opinions, and actions of others; or our fears about the future. Many mistake the real meaning of "taking responsibility," associating it with carrying a self-burden, guilt, and blame. When we take responsibility, we take charge of our emotions and forgive. I like to think of forgiving as literally giving back (or "fore" giving) to others the responsibility they may have inappropriately placed on us through wrong- doing. By forgiving with love, we allow ourselves freedom to move forward. And we give those who've hurt us the opportunity to heal. This helps everyone!
Last, when we relinquish the need to defend our point of view, we can rest easy. In so doing, we gain confidence, strengthen self-worth, and solidify our godly purpose. When we can stand firm in the truth of our divine selves, we are ready to serve our world in a profound way. It is by fulfilling our purpose through service that we gain the greatest joy in life.
For this week's homework, set an intention to strengthen and develop the characteristics required to live "The Law of Least Effort."
Many Blessings,Rebecca Hintze
Author, therapist * ©Rebecca Linder Hintze, 2006 * email: rebecca@rebeccahintze.com * phone: 703.509.4222 * web: www.rebeccahintze.com *