By Claire Diab and Dennis Boyle
This is the fourth in a series of articles on the Seven Keys to Success. So far we have discussed the first three principles: the Law of Pure Potentiality–Understanding our Spiritual Essence, Giving & Receiving, and the Law of Karma–Cause and Effect. The fourth principle is the Law of Least Effort.As the spring greets us, this principle gives us a different perspective of approaching a new season.
The Law of Least Effort can be thought of as the principle of allowing–no more struggling against the situation or circumstances that we find ourselves in. When we have total acceptance of the moment, we can then come up with a creative response on what to do. Give up your need to struggle against the whole universe by struggling against this moment. In each situation, good or bad, there is a seed of opportunity. It is important to see and accept this. For example, losing your wallet may lead you into a different route then you had planned that day. It may also help you to be more organized and present. Even being stuck in traffic can teach patience. And on a bigger scale, the ending of a relationship can lead you to a new and more fulfilling relationship and help you learn more about yourself. The principle of Least Effort allows you to accept your current situation as it is, so you will have more energy for things that are important and worthwhile.
Practicing the Law of Least Effort is to make a commitment to the following steps:
1. Today, practice acceptance of people, situations, circumstances, and events as they occur. Know that this moment is as it should be. You do not want to struggle against the whole universe by struggling against this moment. My acceptance is total and complete.
2. Having accepted things as they are, I take responsibility for my situation and all the events I see as problems. I know that taking responsibility means not blaming anyone or anything for my situation–that includes myself. I know that in every problem there is an opportunity in disguise. This alertness to opportunities allows me to take this moment and transform it into a greater benefit.
3. Today, I will remain established in defenselessness. I will relinquish the need to defend my point of view. I will feel no need to convince or persuade others to accept my point of view. I will remain open to all points of view and not rigidly be attached to any one of them.
Take note of how you feel physically, emotionally, and spiritually when practicing these applications each day. Enjoy the spring time and all the beautiful things nature has to offer!
Claire Diabis an internationally recognized Yoga therapist. She is the director of the Yoga Program for the Chopra Center founded by Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. David Simon. She is an adjunct professor of Asian Studies at Seton Hall University. She is the author of several books and DVDs on Yoga including “Yoga For Firefighters.”
Dennis Boyleis a retired fire director and acting chief with the West Orange (NJ) Fire Department. He was the recipient of the 1999 New Jersey Deputy Fire Chiefs “Fire Officer of the Year” award.
