How To Think Positively Without Expectation
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One of the toughest things about keeping a positive mindset is that the same spiritual teachers who tell us to keep visualizing, also tell us to devoid ourselves of expectation. In other words, we should believe that our worthiest thoughts are going to manifest into real “things”, yet we shouldn’t get attached to the results.
This does seem to be a major conflict of interest. How can someone wish for something and still be devoid of expectation? You would think one would cancel out the other, or at least put a real damper on your hopes and dreams.
I’ve labored over these seemingly nonsensical and contradictory universal laws, but I finally understood the dichotomy after watching an old Peter Sellers movie for the 4th time. The movie is “Being There” and wisdom of that now classic, dark comedy helps to unravel the mystery.
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To Be or Not To Be
The title tells you something immediately. “Being There” is the act of “just being” – living without judgment or expectation. Whatever happens, happens. It is what it is, neither good nor bad. The central character of “Being There” is Seller’s character, Chance the gardener – a man who lives in the present, with no past and no vision of the future.
Chance is a simple-minded, good-natured, illiterate gentleman, who was brought up by a wealthy citizen of Washington D.C. He has two great loves, gardening and television. Completely sheltered from the outside world he tends to the garden and blissfully, silently watches TV.
When his benefactor dies, Chance finds himself without a job, without a home and without a friend. He is forced to venture out into a strange, unfamiliar world. Completely unfazed, dressed in the finery to which he is accustomed, he begins his journey.
Chance roams the streets of D.C. As fate would have it, he steps out into traffic and is hit by a passing limousine belonging to an important Washington businessman and lobbyist. The businessman’s wife, Eve, played by Shirley MacLaine ushers Chance into the limo insisting that he recuperate at her home. Chance accepts her offer and takes his first ride in a vehicle. Glancing out the window at the passing view he exclaims, “ It’s just like television, but you can see farther.”
Before long, Chance finds himself much father along than he could ever imagine; rubbing elbows with political movers and shakers who are all entirely enraptured by his simple wisdom and good nature. They misinterpret his childlike references to gardening and television as mystical allegories of great truth. Even his name is misconstrued and he is soon known not as Chance, but as the charming newcomer, Chauncey Gardiner.
Chauncey, of course, goes with the flow, totally innocent of his emerging influence. He speaks only of what he knows, which is gardening; His view of the world is limited to what he has seen on TV. When asked to suggest solutions to impossible political problems he simply replies, "In a garden, growth has its season...as long as the roots are not severed, all is well, and all will be well in the garden." Such insight does not go unnoticed.
Word quickly spreads that there has emerged within the political social scene a brilliant new personality. All of D.C.’s elite is enraptured by Chauncey’s uncomplicated selfless wisdom and before long, Washington is at his feet. Chaunce; however remains unfazed by fame and celebrity. He is just who he is - happily sailing through life undaunted, fearlessly and without expectation.
Chance’s success story ends with the much debated final scene in the movie, where he steps out onto a lake and in godlike fashion, walks on water. Yes, our hero may appear godlike, but the film’s theme is more universal. The final shot of Chauncey walking on water is the perfect demonstration of the law of detachment. If we dare to detach ourselves from our expectations, simply have faith, simply let it be, we can create miracles.
A Scene from "Being There"
The Law of Detachment
Being human often gets in the way of ‘being there’. We often attempt to devoid ourselves of our attachment; we venture out onto that mysterious, scary, ocean of life, but if we stop, even for a moment, to doubt ourselves, the ocean gives way and we are returned to the shore to begin again.
The Karmic law of Detachment says that in order to acquire what you desire in the physical universe, you have to relinquish your attachment to it. I now see that this doesn't mean you have to give up your desire. What you give up is your attachment to the result.
Uncertainty and the unknown put you into the realm of pure creativity and freedom where there are no rules. You feel as though all is well in the garden of life.Just as the character Chauncey Gardiner acted without fear of the unknown, so can you act without expectation, knowing the Universe is at your back. What’s more, this path of uncertainty can be very liberating.
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Thinking Positively Without Expectation
So take a few lessons from Chance, the character Peter Seller’s dreamed of portraying.
- Remember to think positively and to focus on your dream, but do so without rules or expectations. If, by “chance” you are diverted from your journey, accept it as an important part of your journey and keep focusing on your dream.
- Be an observer, like Chance who “liked to watch”. When you remain a silent witness, you’ll see how the pieces of your dream fall into place and in doing so, you’ll open yourself up to even greater possibilities, perhaps even, miracles.
© Copyright Green Lotus, 2011. All rights reserved.
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Incredibly beautiful. All the insights and affirmations are exactly what I need today. I have never seen Being There, but I will have to rent it. There is a great premise and message. Actually everything does if you care to listen. Thanks for this post. I enjoyed it immensely.
Good hub. I'm a positive thinker and have been all my life. I don't have to work very hard at it. It just manifests itself in everything I do. I live in the present and am very happy, expecially during the past 20 years. Life is good.
Hi Linda. Thanks for your wise, kind comments. I like the restaurant analogy!
Annie4 - Your comments are so inspiring and I'm so glad to have given you some inspiration today! I'm sure you'll enjoy the movie too!
Hi Alek - Always appreciate your comments. Live is good isn't it?
every object in the universe is made up of spirit and material.when we focus on a object both these things come into play.the material and the spirit is seperated by time and space.when one is locked with an object the journey of our soul commences from material to the spirit with in the
locked object.the spirit which is deep with in is surrounded by positive and negative vibrations of different objects.when we lock an object and start focussing on it our soul starts travelling in that zone and in the process it encounters good and bad surrounding that object.
those who lock only with the material and not with spirit deep within will fail to reach the spirit deep down as the one who is focussed will be tested at different time intervals and he will be allowed to pass through one layer after another and at every layer he has shed his ego.only those who become egoless at the end will unite with the spirit deep with in.
aslong as we visualize object time and space come into play and with that hope.the journey is conditioned with reciprocation and if there is no reciprocation then the journey comes to an end abruptly.but,sometimes,the deep spirit with in the object flashes its existance in a moment of silence and this energy associated with the flash electrifies the one who is focussed and forces him to travel with great force.a beautiful journey starts with no expectations,as one discovers the ultimate thing of one's life and the journey is spontaneous,natural in agreement with natural laws.the obstructions are defeated at every layer by travelling with no expectations,the only goal is to merge with the spirit and the rest of the world disspears.when one finally becomes one with the deep spirit with in one will find his home in the universe and know what he has born for and what is the purpose of his visit to this planet.
yes you are exactly right about law of detachment but inordrer to reach that state of awareness one has to die manytimes.one has to pass through the deepest longing and finally one will enter the garden of freedom where thought is not corrupted by the past.whatever flows from the bing will be natural,creative and will be totally satisfied with one's life.it is only through the containment of the unknown craetivity flows.
ramtulip thank you for commenting on my hub.
i will watch the movie "being there" tonight.i found many of these things related with the frank capra's movie,"the lost horizon"
Really fascinating. It's something I've thought long about and I'm still trying to come up with an answer. Actually, I think the day I stop mulling it over will bring my answer - at the mo I'm afraid to say, there's too much about attachment that I'm attached to. I mean, I suppose in theory I shouldn't be grappling to watch that Peter Sellers film now but I am - and I won't settle till I've seen it. I just can't wait! I'll keep you posted!
Hello apricot. You will love the film!...and yes, I think once we just let it be, things start to take shape.
The law of detachment reminds me of the monkey traps, where something the monkey wants is put into a container with a narrow mouth. The monkey can get its hand into the container, but cannot get its fist out. He is too greedy to let go, therefor he is trapped by his own desire.
As to letting good things come to you, without expectation, have you ever noticed that you can hold much more in an open hand than a closed hand? The saying, "If you love it, let it go," never made sense to me, until I realized this.
Thanks for sharing these insights.
"Ask and you shall receive". The flow of good things coming into your life is about faith. Knowing something will manifest. Visualizing your desires and acting as if they are already material is a difficult concept for the human mind. Our doubts and insecurities creep into the picture. It's something that you really have to work hard on. I always enjoy reading your Hubs on this subject GL. Thanks!
Ivorwen that's an interesting story. Letting it go is akin to letting life "be", although using love as an example is really tough. I do know, when things don't work out as we had hoped it doesn't necessarily mean we've failed. It's just not the end of the story.
Jai, it's strange, faith in the universe is such a natural concept to a young child. As we get older we learn to doubt it. Returning to an accepting state of mind without worry or fear seems almost impossible, but positive programming, like negative programming, works.
Hi, i loved this, it really makes sense. you mentioned the film, but it is also a bit like Forest Gump, in the sense that he did'nt really think he just did things. Pagans have always had this belief, and the funny thing is that these days people have started to believe in this, but that is what witches and pagans have always done with their 'spells' etc. this is how it worked. great hub. thanks nell
What a wonderful hub! I also enjoyed every one's comments. Your article and all the thoughts that followed has allowed me to see things at different angles and at deeper levels.
Very, Very Interesting... Really makes you think...
Thanks so much! All the best Green Lotus!
HI Nell - So glad you liked the hub. I never thought of Forest in that way, but yes, absolutely, the innocence and faith of that character does express the whole idea of dreaming big without expectation. It's also one of my favorite movies. Now I know why :)
Hello derek! So glad to meet you and thank you so much for your kind words. All the best to you too!
i saw "being there" last night.its a beautiful movie.innocense
will be protected at all times.innocense can cut through anything and disarm the masks surrounding it.the best scene of the movie was when chancee removing a dead branch near a lake and planting a tree there.i dont why he did not shed tears when the old man passed away in his own house and why he has tears when ben passed away.
You know, I've been meaning to watch this movie ever since I was a teenager working in a video store (remember those?). The picture on the case/box always intrigued me: A man flying away, weightless, and...DETACHED. It all makes sense now. I love the Buddhist aspect of it more than anything...Should there be a reason for everything? I wonder :D
Thanks for another thought-provoking hub!
Hi again ram - I'm glad you enjoyed the film. I don't think the old man had much of a relationship with Chance, after all, he didn't have a name. Just a thought.
Hi dohn! You will enjoy the movie so do try to see it. As for assigning a reason for anything, that's a question to ponder. Some say life is meaningless so don't look for reasons. I think that's just cold and loveless. Over analysing everything is a bit like looking for reasons, but giving up your attachments doesn't mean "giving up".
the illusionist,perfume-story of a murderer and now "being there" are my favorites.anymore u suggest.
I liked the illusionist too, but will have to check out the others. I haven't seen Avatar yet, but I understand it has an uplifting message too.
all these movies were initially slow at the beginning and have a good climax.The momentum from one frame to another frame is natural.
I love your hub, it is so well written and easy to grasp. I have always been positive, thank goodness as it has helpedsustain me many time. So many times it appears we expect too much, when we actually already have enough. Right now in my life, I am depending upon my faith to bring me through and I believe it will. Thank you for the insight.
Ictodd so glad you found my hub insightful. Thank you.
I loved your hub. This detachment and expectation has always confused me. I'm bookmarking this page so that I can read it again and again. Intellectually I understand it but realizing this is the goal.
I think you said it right kiamzattu! Realization is the tough part. Thanks
I MUST rent the movie-that piece was brilliant.
Your writing is inspirational and I thank you!
I am working on this. It is a very freeing concept.
Thanks lorlie, and you will enjoy the film. Sellers is really amazing and so it the whole story.
HH - Yes, I agree, giving up the "shoulds" is very freeing. Thanks for stopping by.
Green Lotus, Chance the Gardener is autistic. His seeming "detachment", which the people around him interpret as enlightenment, has more to do with his inability to pick up on social cues than anything else.
Sometimes the people who seem the most "unselfish" are the ones whose whole universe revolves around themselves.
I really enjoyed the Hub, I remember that movie, you did a great job writing about it and bringing forth some good thoughts to ponder on. very smoothly written for me. Very Much appreciated. Ed
Aya I do believe the character may be viewed in that light by those who favor a theory of materialism. I chose to view the story from anthe angle of idealism.
I think that the author Jerzy Kosinski does a great job leaving it up to the reader/viewer. His primary intention was to satirize the media and American culture, but when he stuns us with the idealistic, spiritual ending we're taken aback. The meaning of the film and the main character have been the subject of lively debate for years.
Hello Amez. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the hub and I thank you for you kind comments. I'm flattered and humbled.
I like this hub very much. It is very real and gives me an exclusive glimpse of thought, rather than the normal materialistic world out there. Very well done and thumbs up for sure.
Thought provoking hub!!!!!!! Each and every word of the hub contains huge information. The individual should put his cent per cent effort without any expectation. The thought has got deep penetrating effect. Thanks a lot for providing so knowledgeable hub.
Hubpageswriter I thank you for your comment and thumbs up rating! I do try to express my feelings simply and try to "keep it real". I'm honored that you liked my style.
Stephensaldana- It's not always easy to do, but once you begin really exploring (and pondering) the idealist viewpoint it becomes highly effective. To read your kind words is most gratifying. Thank you.
Well, well - I had quite forgotten 'Being There' and yet I saw it at the cinema and was greatly impressed at the time. It worked really well - this idea that it is not the end that is important but the nature of the journey along the way. At least, that was what I derived from the film and felt was so important. It was really well done and is certainly worth seeing. Great stuff, for bringing a useful memory to light...
Thanks Nicks! It's a wonderful film with a great lesson. It was always one of my favorites, but only recently did I see why it was also a great. I appreciate your comments as always.
I've just spent a very pleasant 20 minutes or so reading a lovely article, remembering a truly exceptional chap, and revisiting a film I've not watched for longer than I'd care to remember. Thank you.
Such kind words. So glad you enjoyed the read and the memories. Thanks for stopping by Rayalt
GL, what a fantastic piece of writing. I have heard of this movie, but don't recall watching it. now I'm looking forward to seeing it. I love the analogy of the garden. I think there's more to the phrase when describing someone as 'down to earth'. I need to check your profile more often, even with daily emails, I don't remember seeing this one!
BEing is essentially who we are. when it really hit me that we are human BEings, my life became even more enriched and meaningful. our capabilities are much more than we can possibly ever imagine. detachment, letting go of the self -
the boundaries. thanks again for wonderful writing and inspiring great feedback with all of these comments. :]
Always a pleasure to see you and to read your wise comments! We do often brush over words like "human beings" without thinking about their meanings. Thanks for the reminder :)
Very constructive hub. It is very tough to balance between thinking and make it reflecting or make it realistic. We all think in our mind that we will have to do it or it should be happen, but can't convert it in the practical field, where we lack? i think we lack in our confidence. I also think, positive thinking is very much in demand as the only factor always keeps up you in the focus. We must have to acquire confidence to make anything successful.
I also believe that the particular work or role you are playing should be of your love, it will drag your excellence and creativity towards the work and you will surely be succeed.
Thanks for your kind words movearoundus! I agree with much of what you say especially your comment that if choose to work at what you truly love, your creativity will flourish and more likely to find greater happiness.
I really like this hub. We have so much in common. Thank you. Thank you.
You're welcome, you're welcome! So glad you enjoyed it :)
What a fantastic hub. I love it. I really must work harder on mine. Thanks
I really appreciate it simon! Thank you.
Many years ago, I was flying into LAX from Seattle and from Alaska. It was a very long flight and the sun literally didn't move for at least 4 hours! (curvature of the earth and morning sun position, anyway) As we approached LAX, and were probably flying over San Francisco, and due to lack of sleep, felt like I was "falling", just free falling back to earth without any control. It was "liberating" as I really didn't know what I was flying to. It was a 'high' and was a profound state of my young perception of "being there". I wish I could revisit those moments: really enjoyed this hub, got me to rethink those experiences. Thanks
What a great story PV! Every once in a while we get to experience a "being there" moment. Glad you enjoyed the read. Thanks.
thank you so much...i really needed inspiration today and there's a lot going 'round the hubs ;)
Glad you found this one helpful :)
Thanks again!
I read this as my follow up to "Affirmations".
Good Stuff, GL. You are gifted and I am in such need of non tangible reality, right now. You are inspiring from both a style and content perspective.
You are so welcome Dubullu. Glad you enjoyed this one.
I really really liked this hub...and gave you a thumbs up rating..."Being There" is one of my husband and my favorite movies....you really brought a lot of insight in the comparison. Blessings
So glad you found this enjoyable Enlydia and thanks for stopping by to comment. "Being There" has so many deep lessons, I can view it over and over again and still learn something new and enlightening.
GL,
I saw this movie many years ago. Great stuff. You are right about the need to keep on the path, even when it appears you are off the path. It's true. Take everything that happens as a part of the puzzle so to speak. Thanks for the encouraging hub.
Universal Laws 2 years ago
Great Hub! It can be confusing if you think of it as visualising and then not getting into expectation.
I see it like go and order a good nourishing meal at a restaurant but dont tell the waiter or the chef how to make it or what physical ingredients to put in it.!!! Once you put your order in assume immediately that its coming to you perfectly how you need it, then if you were visualising chicken and theres no chicken in the salad it could be that you dont need the yang meat that day!! Lota people could not let go to even this scenario.
We need to put our orders in to the universe and leave it, allow it to perculate in the energies with the trust that its coming down the line in exactly the right way. Best to think and visualise how your goin feel when you get it and keep feeling that rather than visualising a physical thing.
lots of luck and positive vibes
Linda at UNIVERSAL LAWS