Contemplation on Success

by Peter & Helen Evans

In many of our life's endeavors we say, "Oh well, I tried", and take our failure as "a lesson to be learned". Too often, we conclude that the lesson is, "I better not try that again". Perhaps the real lesson is that we didn't really try. Maybe we only made a halfhearted attempt and life gave us back exactly what we gave to it.

Think of some examples in your past where the results were not what you wanted, or said you wanted. Did you give it all you had? Now think of some times when you did give it all you had. Just for fun. How about when you were a teenager and wanted the family car for a special date, or when you were working to a deadline and knew you had to have the job done. In such cases don't we keep pushing until we get what we want?

When we give our full effort, we stop "trying", and we start doing it. Our words change, reflecting our thoughts. We don't stop at the first obstacle; we don't accept the first "no"; we make the time that's necessary; we apply all the resources we have, and we start being truly creative. We are being truly alive. The life energy begins zooming through us. This is what we call the 'rush of commitment'. Success is then assured. Miracles happen!!

Commitment means no matter what. When we commit to a relationship, we stop wondering if someone else out there might make an even better partner for us. If we commit to a career, we give it our best, and waste no time toying with other possibilities. The feeling of commitment doesn't come naturally. We have to develop it, and earn it.

The moment one commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never have otherwise occurred. A whole stream of events; all manner of unforeseen incidents, and chance meetings, and material assistance come forth which no one could have dreamt would appear.

I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets:

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius and power and magic in it."

Commitment does not, however, require that we stand firm and inflexible even when our heart tells us that a situation isn't working over time. To keep commitment from becoming blind stubbornness, apply the following two part principle to your life:

1) if a situation doesn't work, first do everything to make it work; this may mean exploring new options and choices rather than passively tolerating the situation or merely escaping.

2) if, after giving it your BEST effort for a reasonable time (ranging from an hour to a decade or more, depending upon the context) the situation still doesn't work, then leave it with full confidence that you've done the right thing." - Dan Millman, No Ordinary Moments

And for those of you who enjoy poetry:

I would love to kiss you
- the price of kissing is your life
Now my loving is running toward my life shouting
- what a bargain, let's buy it!
- Rumi

What this means is that your life will and must change when you want to "kiss", or embrace a new endeavor. Are you willing to give it your best?

Recommended book:

Purchase the book "Discovering Positive Thinking"
by Rita Milios.

About The Author

Peter and Helen Evans live in Ojai, California and are ministers under the auspices of the Church of Religious Science. They are counselors, practitioners of Therapeutic Touch and teachers of Integral Yoga, based on the teachings of Sri Aurobindo. Their principal aim is to bring Love to Life, in whatever way they can. Their postal address is: 750 Highland Drive, #122, Ojai, CA, USA 93023. Phone (805) 649-6883.

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