Deepak Chopra has been a significant influence on my spiritual development. I first came to learn from Chopra’s wisdom in the mid-90s through his book The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success. That book has never been further away than my home office bookshelf, and I often pick it up for a quick review and reminder of the seven laws.

Each of the laws that Chopra shares resonate with me in some way. But the one that has been most impactful for me has been the Law of Detachment.

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.  And in our willingness to step into the unknown, the field of all possibilities, we surrender ourselves to the creative mind that orchestrates the dance of the universe.

When I think about what I was going through at the time I picked up this book, it all makes sense. A separation, a nasty custody trial, and eventual divorce. For me, detachment was the release from my attempt at controlling the outcome. I knew what I wanted, and I fought hard to do everything I could to get it. From that fight, came my angst, my discontent, my fear, my disillusion. However, once I surrendered myself to the Universe and gave up my vain effort to control, everything began to fall into place.

More Than 20 Years Later

I recently returned to Chopra with his online course, Resurrecting the Soul, offered through the DailyOM for just $21. Once again, his words inspired me to recognize where I continue to struggle, and offered wisdom on how to move more joyfully through life to fully experience the richness it offers.

I most resonated with his teaching that the Universe evolves through us.

The plan that unfolds the universe stands right before us, even though we fail to see it. We’re blind because the plan is us. Or to make it personal, you are the cosmic plan – or the divine plan, if you prefer. There are no rules outside your mind, no actions outside your body. Whatever you choose to do, the plan bends to accommodate you. When you have a new desire, the universe shifts accordingly. It has no choice, because there is no purpose to creation beyond you, here and now.

I love the reminder that I am the Universe and it is me. I love the reminder that I only need to declare what I want and that the Universe “bends to accommodate” me. How intimate that feels to me. How empowering!

Some of our life teachers come and go, but for me, Deepak Chopra has been a constant. For him and his teachings, I am grateful.

What teachers do you most admire? What wisdom did share that most impacted you?

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