This post is part of a series of journaling prompts exploring Chopra's The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success - a book of guidance for mindful living in the modern world. Each of the seven posts in this series will explore one of the spiritual laws further, and then offer writing prompts for you to reflect on your responses.
The law of detachment is about embracing uncertainty , releasing the reins, and being willing to venture into the unknown.
"In detachment lies the wisdom of uncertainty... in the wisdom of uncertainty lies the freedom from our past, from the known, which is the prison of past conditioning."
It is possible to both hold a strong intention, and be non-attached to its outcome. This chapter describes the process of being clear about what you want, but also staying secure in yourself whether or not you get the outcome you desire. If we were to live like this, we would be much less shaken up when things don't go our way.
I also like the concept of uncertainty being a freedom from our own past conditioning. It's like opening up all possibilities for 'success' rather than expecting past problems or patterns to be repeated again and again. It could be useful to be aware of past patterns, but to also hold the thought that there can and will be a new way to do things. In short, uncertainty can be hopeful.
"In our willingness to step into the unknown, the field of all possibilities, we surrender ourselves to the creative mind."
Many of us feel resistant to surrendering the details, because we like to have a plan and feel that we are in control. Chopra suggests that by doing this we could actually be shutting out a whole range of possibilities that could be bringing us something even better. The advice from him is to maintain some flexibility and fluidity - to detach from rigidity as much as possible and make space for potential.
Imagine if uncertainty brought hope and excitement rather than fear...
Journaling Prompts for the Law of Detachment
Can you think of a time where you may have been holding very tightly to a certain outcome? Describe how that felt, and what happened.
How does it feel for you to release control and surrender to the unknown?
Is there one small thing in your life that you could practice releasing control of?
Would practicing detachment save you energy? How? Describe how that would be.
Do you believe that things will fall into place for you? Explore this idea...
Enjoy journaling your reflections, and if you have any questions, you can message me on Instagram or email hello@strengthinfeathers.com . The final post and set of journal prompts are on The Law of Dharma (meaning 'purpose in life') and you can find them here.