Deepak's Law of Least Effort

Happy Friday everyone! I hope everybody gets some much needed personal time this weekend. Today we go back to Deepak Chopra’s Seven Spiritual Laws of Success. We’re about half way to conquering the world! Go us! Have you been working on the previous three laws?

Let’s review! The first three laws to get you on the way to making all of your dreams come true are,

1. The Law of Pure Potentiality

2. The Law of Giving

3. The Law of Karma 

Find their individual posts in the archives!

And now… The Law of Least Effort! Although the Law of Karma is absolutely my favorite, the Law of Least Effort is definitely a close second! This law tells us to let go of our need to constantly control everything, and to trust in nature’s intelligence. That’s kind of liberating, huh? We don’t have to worry, we just have to be our best selves, acting with love and in harmony with nature, and the universe will take care of the rest. Specifically, Deepak tells us we can put The Law of Least Effort into effect by,

1. Practicing Acceptance- It is best for us to stop wishing things were different and to stop trying to change things. We should accept things as they are, knowing that everything is as it should be at this moment. Why waste energy struggling against what the universe has dictated should be? That could get exhausting!

2. Taking Responsibility- After practicing acceptance, we need to take responsibility for everything in our lives. We do not need to blame others or ourselves. By taking responsibility for everything, including problems, we can begin to recognize the opportunities for positive change. We can “have a creative response to the situation as it is now”. Every frustration and issue becomes an opportunity to make things better. That’s a more fun way of looking at things, right? Make every “problem” into a “challenge”.

3. Practicing Defenselessness- To practice defenselessness means to not feel the need to defend your own point of view. You do not need to try and convince others you are right. Also, in practicing defenselessness, you recognize the value of other points of view as well. In this way, we move through life flexibly. Think about it, living defensively can often result in anxiety or fear. But if we let go of the need to defend everything and push against others, we can be happy in the moment.

“When you remain open to all points of view -- not rigidly attached to only one -- your dreams and desires will flow with nature's desires. Then you can release your intentions, without attachment, and just wait for the appropriate season for your desires to blossom into reality. You can be sure that when the season is right, your desires will manifest. This is the Law of Least Effort.”

To me, the most obvious example of this law lies in relationships. Have you ever been in a fight, or a standstill with a significant other? You are not happy. You want things to be different. You want to get what you desire. So, you push for it. You chase it. You do basically everything opposite of the Law of Least Effort. Does it work? Usually not. You may seem to get what you want in the end. But is it real? Does your loved one really feel that way? Or did you push them into something illegitimate? If they are superficially giving into you, you really aren’t getting what you want at all. Likely, in a few days or weeks, you will realize things are falling apart again. All it was was an effort to please you.

Think about the opposite situation. You let go, accept life, have no need to be defensive, and no expectations. It is often with this mindset that the most wonderful things happen. Haven’t you heard the saying “love will come when you least expect it”? Also, in times of conflict, practicing the Law of Least effort ensures a genuine outcome. It may not be exactly what you want. However, chances are it’s exactly what you need. It’s what nature intended, and at least you won’t have wasted time on something fake.

So, in all areas of life, let go! Live a life of love, giving, and respect. Do not push, chase, or waste energy being combative or defensive. Just let it be. Yes, this is a lot easier said than done. I won’t pretend to be an expert. But, I think we’d all love to let the universe take our lives in its hands and send awesomeness our way, right? We might as well give it our best and try! Put this into practice this weekend, see what you find!

Wishing you a calm and peaceful Friday night <3

Be Well.

Love, Julie