The great Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho wrote, “When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person realize his dream.”
From Albert Einstein, “The most important decision we make is whether we believe we live in a friendly or a hostile universe.”
And from Marianne Williamson, “The universe is the handwriting of God, and it is both self-organizing and self-correcting. Where there is lack, the universe is already planning to remove it from your circumstances. That is the Law of Divine Compensation. The only thing that can deactivate the Law is if you have more faith in the reality of lack than in the reality of the Law.”
Together these three quotes, from such esteemed thinkers, paint a very different picture of not just the world, but all of existence. It’s a way of approaching our lives, within the scheme of the universe, in which our way of viewing the universe is as important as our place within it.
The first of these quotes dazzles my mind the most, “When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person…” It’s as if Coelho is saying that there is some higher power that wants nothing more than for each of us to be happy, joyous and free at all times. And then Williamson is saying that the only thing in the way is our own faith.
When I look at how my faith (or lack thereof) has stood in my way, what I see is a benevolent universe conspiring to nudge, prod and push me through and past my fears. I see a past and present that has challenged me in every way I could have imagined being challenged to become more of my true self, more capable, more complete, more balanced, and yes, more willing to trust a benevolent universe.
When I focus on the details, or my expectations of how things should look or not look, or when I judge outcomes as negative or disappointing, or when I see lack where there is so much richness, I’m cutting the flow of possibilities.
It’s as if a friend says, “Glenn I’d like to help you. I have some expertise in this area and I think I can offer valuable assistance.” And then I say, “That’s great friend. Thank you so much. Can you do it like this?”
My mind wants to find comfort in knowing all the answers: how should it be done, how should it look, what should the outcome be. I, and to a large extent us (as in humanity) strive to know these answers and impose our will on everything we touch. Taking a more significant step into a place of trust in a benevolent universe enables us to move through our lives and work without needing to know all the answers. It enables and empowers us to show up each day with presence and focus, inviting the wonder and creativity that life and work has to offer.
YES! Thank you Glenn. You have articulated so many of my thoughts, wondering, and feelings in your article. The lesson of getting that love and support is always with and for us from All That Is, seems to be the biggest one for me. No effort is required, allow, trust, believe, say “yes”, say “Thank you!”. Getting that this is “unconditional love” at its best, biggest, easiest form, is the ultimate act of surrender and acceptance. This is all beyond the mind, and is from the heart and higher places. I can not comprehend this ultimate love that is so loving and giving, and wants nothing more than for me to live and feel MY freedom. AHO!
Andy,
So much good vibrations come through in your words, and I can see your smiling face as I read them. Thank you for being who you are. I hope our paths cross again many times in the future.
With gratitude,
glenn
I am so glad you sent out the 2016 roundup email and I could easily read a blog I had missed this fall. I think it is perfect timing that I read this today and not in October. Thank you so much for sharing such a direct and heartfelt message.
So awesome how timing can work Sarah. Thank you for sharing.
— glenn
Great article. Thank you!