Robin Reports From In The Thick Of It

Finding Success: Deepak Chopra

As a Personal Life Coach, my purpose is to help individuals achieve success in areas that are meaningful in their lives. I turn to many sources for inspiration and education to gain insight so to better serve my clients.  Recently, I was given a copy of Deepak Chopra's, The Seven Spiritual Laws Of Success.  I found his book and DVD very insightful into what is "success" and how do go about achieving it in our lives.

Deepak eloquently explains how we as human beings, as well as all the things in nature, are all instruments of the invisible consciousness, the universal mind, that choreographs everything that happens in the cosmos at all times. With this premise, he further explains how true success is attained when we align ourselves and our actions in harmony with the universe.  He explains more specifically as he goes through his seven spiritual laws, as I will share with you below.

Law 1. The Law Of Pure Potentiality

The Law of Pure Potentiality is the understanding that anything is possible.  That the unknown creates for us a limitless space for endless opportunities and creations.  That we can embrace the unknown as a time to brainstorm and be creative to find what is possible for ourselves.  In this space, we can meditate in silence for greater clarity as to what we are seeking in our lives. Embrace the vast potential of what you would like to create in your life and the infinite possibilities.

Law 2.  The Law of Giving and Receiving

There is a natural flow of energy in the universe.  Deepak shares with us that energy flows through the giving and receiving with others in life.  These actions serve a higher purpose; a purpose of connectedness and to be able to relate, value and understand others. This connectedness creates bonds between one another. When we receieve we create purpose in other's lives. To experience gratitude is to feel the positive energy of being blessed with a gift.  To give is to put out there in the universe and be a part of the whole.

Law 3. The Law of Karma

Our collective actions hugely influence what life brings us.  We are where we are today due to all that we have been and done in the past. Life success, unlike momentary success, is based on who we are- who we be, not by "what" we are, or a title given to us at any given time.  Titles can be taken away at any given moment. With this, Deepak explains how at any given time we can take from any experience what we want and make a choice as far as how we will respond.  That choice factors in to determining our destiny, our karma.

Law 4.  The Law of Least Effort

Deepak explains how nature takes the course of least resistance. He explains that nature finds the easiest route to thrive and grow.  When we open ourselves up to what is possible and are not rigid with our expectations, we will make it easier for ourselves to find paths that serve us in life with less adversity. Having a "go with the flow" attitude so to speak.  He explains further, when we follow our true purpose, not expecting perfection, we will feel that things are falling into place almost effortlessly at times. If things are not falling into place, or we are experiencing great strife, this may be a sign we are not on the path that best suits us.  What would serve us then, would be to open our thoughts and expand our vision to seeing alternative opportunities, possibly better opportunities that serve the greater good and ourselves. 

Law 5.  The Law of Intention and Desire

I found this law the most inspirational.  As he explains, "Inherent in every desire is the mechanics for it's fulfillment. "  If the thought occurs for us-creating desire, we have what is necessary to achieve it.  Imagine walking around with that belief.  How unstoppable would you be, how confident would you be?  He shares that the power of intention, when focused and creating action, produces transformation and change in our lives. After all, where did those thoughts come from? He offers for thought, how we refer to God as the Creator.  When  creative thoughts show up for us, how can they not be divinely inspired.  We are, in essence, co-creating with God when we focus our thoughts and desires and implement them into creation.

Law 6. The Law of Detachment

This law I have heard of in my other teachings.  This is the process of being committed to a path in life but not attached.  To stay detached is to stay flexible.  If we are rigid in our thoughts or expectations we may feel things are hopeless or not possible.  Many perfectionists can understand how difficult it is to live with such high expectations. When we are flexible we have our eyes open to other possibilities, other avenues to achieve what we are after.  Deepak explains the power of surrendering to the divine will when things don't go our way.  Understand there may be a greater purpose that is being served and to make room by being flexible and open to the outcome. A new way of looking at things is introduced, "If you really want something, let go of it". You may find yourself living in the unknown at times like this, this is where excitement, adventure and mystery fill your life. There is also the ability to see you are able to survive uncertainty, building confidence within you for the long run. When things don't go your way, don't resist learn from it.

Law 7.  The Law of Purpose

This is the law that culminates all other laws.  The Law of Purpose states that everyone has their own unique purpose in life. We are all interconnected, here to serve one another, and our unique destiny serves the universe, the cosmos. Deepak calls it our "Dharma".  When we align ourselves with our unique pupose, our highest vision,  then manifest that vision into action, we will feel as if things are happening for us almost effortlessly at times. When we are not operating from our highest purpose, this is when we are feeling chaos, lack of fulfillment and disorder.

In this book, and his picturesque DVD, which was artfully done, Deepak shares with us how aligning ourselves with our unique inner purpose and recognizing we serve a greater purpose in the scheme of things, we are working in harmony with the universe. In doing so, we will "feel" fulfilled and on the right path.  A feeling of peace will overcome us. He explains, "Success is the expansion of happiness.  It forwards the progression in your life through the unfolding of your vision".

I truly enjoyed this inspirational book and DVD presentation of, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success.  I  found the input of singer and actress, Olivia Newton John and director-actor, Bill Duke, and their sharing of personal life experiences, to add further enjoyment and understanding to Deepak's teachings. This is a source I will refer to again and again, especially if I am feeling off track in my life. The music and scenery on the video made the experience that much more enjoyable.  Deepak is so talented at being able to share his teachings in such a concise way; one DVD, one small book.  However, one would do themselves a disservice to not take the time to fully digest and process these laws and how they effect each and everyone of us in our lives. Truly, using these laws in our daily lives will surely lead us to living our lives at peak potential. As a life coach, in order to help an individual achieve success in their life, one needs to dig deep and recognize what their inner purpose and passion is, then their path will avail itself to them. In closing, enjoy the rest of your day.  And, Live With Purpose!

Do You Know The Secret?

You know..The Secret? My friend asked me this while visiting with her recently. I was miffed.  Not sure if I do.  What is it?  Have you read the book? What book? The Secret?  Okay, no I can't say I did.  But I will.  Her asking this question in the way she did had me curious.  I went to the store and bought the book-on a mission to find out "the secret."

Well, getting ahold of this book is not so easy. It is a very sought after book.  My local book store told me it was sold out in our area and he would not get it for two weeks. Now you must know, there is a book called The Secret, by Michael Berg.  This is different from the book my friend was referencing, The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne.  And a book very much like Rhonda's book, if you like the philosophy is The Law of Attraction by Michael J. Losier.  But back to the Rhonda's secret.  Not able to purchase the book on my own,  I read my friend's book.  The beauty of this book is it is a short and easy read.  I finished it the night I started. 

I don't know if any of you out there have done the seminar series offered by Landmark Education Company.  I have done three, ending with Self Expression and Leadership.  Taking on these seminars is truly life altering.  Upon reading The Secret, I found most of the assertions in this book to closely follow everything we learned in Landmark. I told my friend how reading the book you get 20% of what you can get from learning this stuff-hands on. Taking on the seminars, and the workshops within...life altering.  Cannot compare the two. After I took on Landmark, several of my friends followed.  They all were blown away by how it effected them in their daily lives across the board. It was unanimous. How Landmark and The Secret relate, is that they make it out that anything is possible in your life, you just need to declare it to be so.  The empowerment comes from the declaration in itself.  Both Landmark and Rhonda point out how not to speak the negative side of the issue because you breath life into it, and therefore your reality.  If you don't get this...get the book.  You will totally understand.

I remember doing Landmark and finding the course mind altering.  Ialso remember leaving for work the following Monday and looking around at the rest of the world like I indeed had a secret.  Coming out of the seminar is like having blinders removed.  All these filters in life have been taken away and the light in overpowering at first.  You really need to start by taking baby steps.  I always say, if you want a life time experience you have to do this course.  One weekend will alter you forever-it is quite a ride. And upon reading this book, I felt Rhonda must have had a similar experience and had attended the forum herself.  Who knows.  Her book has the language and many distinctions that Landmark offers.  It is a great book to read along with doing the Forum (Landmark).  If you pick up this book, you will feel an enormous  empowerment by the end- Like you are "unstoppable".  That is why I like the book.  However, I can't say I'm sold on it.

In Rhonda's book, it has this over the top idea if you declare what you want, the universe will provide it for you.  I have always felt with religion, people who relied on prayer alone, and were not in action for themselves to make a difference, were in danger of not getting what they desired badly or needed,  setting themselves up for a big fall. Now I know a lot of ordinary people have made amazing things happen on this planet, but I find it hard to believe it was on a wish or a prayer.  I am sure it was by hard work.  Even if they found it by accident..they were in action to have something amazing happen.  Blame my Protestant upbringing, but I believe only through hard work do we succeed in life.  The idea of the guy sitting in his chair and declaring he will have a million dollars by years end and then "Puff" it happens?  Sorry guys...I just don't believe it. And I find it dangerous to share this belief with others. 

Don't get me wrong, I think declaring something is quite empowering. I believe we should all have dreams.  Just got back from Disney...Talk about a dream. It all starts with a dream. There is power in the declaration of the dream.  By telling someone what your declaration is and possibly having them hold you accountable, I believe you can make great things happen.  The dream is the gas and the actions are the vehicle that gets you there. The declaration means nothing without the action. I won't be sitting on my couch waiting for a million to show up on my lap.  Possibly Rhonda would be all over me for this. Call me pessimistic etc...  This is my humble opinion.  Okay, I am sounding hard on her.  You know, Kudos to her in sharing that positive thinking gets you things.  I do believe hope inspires us.  It is a driving force.  I believe confidence makes us not give up.  These things along with action are truly powerful beyond belief. To sell positive thinking...I am all over that.

For the loyal followers of the secret, check out this website: The Secret

Landmark offered something that was easier for me to digest- Commitment verses attachment.  That distinction is, we should be committed to what we want in life...it puts us in action.  But don't be attached to where the journey takes us. We may not get the result we intended.  In some cases our result will be far greater.  It is the action that is empowering. And if we don't get what we want, the fall should not be so painful.  Okay, a bit Taoist here.

There are some critics of Landmark as well.  They feel it is cultish. I don't get hung up on this as I think many things in life are cultish- for instance...professional sports, taking on your own sport five days a week, yoga, you name it.  How passionate you are in a certain arena ...can come across cultish.  When people have their eyes opened in such a way that they feel a lifetime ball and chain removed from them, it makes them pretty high for a while. I have to tell you, I have a friend who read this book, and she is very empowered by the teachings.  And she feels a connection to the group that read the book.  Even the book has been life altering for people.  They will stand there asking you...Do you know the secret...if yes, you are a part of the priviledged few.

Back to my critique on the book, Rhonda does bring up "action" in her book, but I found this section a bit weak.  She needed to expound further. Her idea of being able to declare money in your life and the universe bringing it to you, or her weight loss of 140ish down to 116, because she declared it, and it just happened...suspicious to say the least.  But don't just take my opinion.  Go out and read this book.  It is a very popular book right now.  Get "In the know".  If you have not done Landmark or a similar program, the language and philosophy in this book can be quite empowering for you.  For some they will boil it down to simple Karma.  Read it..you decide.

By the way I did not tell you "the secret," per say.  You will have to pick up the book to find out what it is.  Did not want to ruin it for you.