25/06/2014
Lissa Rankin
We’ve been taught that in order to get what we desire, we need to either force our desires into being through hard work, sweat, and tears. Or we need to apply the Law Of Attraction, whereby we visualize what we desire, say affirmations that affirm that we already have what we desire, and “manifest” the desire into being. But what if there’s another way to deal with desire? In her book Outrageous Openness, a book which seriously changed my life, Tosha Silver teaches that the Law Of Attraction, improperly taught, is merely another way to push/strive/struggle in order to bring our desires into being. What if instead of making it happen, we acknowledge our desires, but then turn them over instantly to Divine Will?
Surrender in this way is also not about becoming a desireless zombie or getting rid of your desires. But it’s also not about handing a shopping list to God, filled with specifics about exactly what you want and when you want it with the expectation that God will fulfill all your desires. Tosha says, “God is not your Costco. God is not your bitch. God is not here to grant all of your specific wishes like some cosmic fairy godmother.” The Law Of Attraction implies that you know what’s best for you. God doesn’t. But what if it’s not about getting what your ego wants but instead, allowing Divine Will to lead your life? Tosha’s prayer is one of utter surrender. “TAKE ME OVER! USE ME! MAKE ME YOURS!”
Can you imagine letting go of attachment to all your desires, really trusting that living in Divine alignment will be more fulfilling and meaningful than anything your ego might conjure up? Can you dream of trusting that you will be shown your part in the cosmic orchestra in the perfect way, in the perfect time? If that feels impossible, if you can’t bear to trust that the Divine has a plan for you that might be better than your own, Tosha suggests saying a “Change Me” prayer. “Change me into someone who is ready to surrender.”
Here are some examples of variations on Tosha’s “Change Me” prayers, collected from Outrageous Openness.
When things aren’t going well at work:
I call Divine Order into my work. In the right time, in the right way, let my offering become available for the good of all, to all who need to be guided to me and to know.
When you’re looking for love:
The perfect partner is already selected. He/she is arriving in the right way at the right time. I am so grateful to receive him/her.
When something you want isn’t happening as fast as you wish:
My life is unfolding in Divine timing. All delays are beneficial. I’m always at the right place at the right time.
When you’re looking for clients:
I’m now available to receive anyone who can benefit from my teaching. Let all who need me find me. Let me help relieve suffering. The Divine is my complete Source for all prosperity and will provide.
When stressed about travel:
Let every aspect of this journey unfold in harmony. Let Divine Order arrange and show me every detail. The right airline connection, lodging, and all else are already selected and I’ll be guided to them easily. I’ll follow the leads as they are shown.
When you feel an impulse to be of service:
Wherever I can be a force for Love, please guide me. Take me wherever you wish me to go. Let me do your bidding.
When struggling to get over the painful loss of a relationship:
This entire relationship now belongs to Divine Order. It is in God’s hands and I am open to a miracle of completion The situation now unfolds in the perfect way for the good of all. I needn’t fear letting go; my needs are always met.
When trying to decide about whether to do something you can’t quite afford but wish to do:
Please show me if you wish me to go. If you do, please bring a sign, and a miracle. Please show your Divine Will in this matter and send a clear sign that gives the proper direction. And if for some reason I’m about to head the wrong way, please, please stop me.
When dealing with writer’s block:
I ask that if I can be of service, and I this be God’s will, that the perfect chances will arrive to pulverize this damn writer’s block once and for all.
When dealing with a customer service cluster f*ck:
With every fiber of my being I invoke God as my Source and cast the burden of this mess. I pray that the perfect people who intercede on my behalf will come at the right moment.
When struggling to find the perfect apartment or just the right parking spot:
I am now being guided to the right apartment [or parking spot] at the right time. It’s already handled.
When unclear about what’s next:
My perfect new path is already selected and will arrive at the right time. I’ll be shown the steps to receive it.
Then, after making these prayers of intercession, you have to let go and trust that it’s all handled, even if what shows up doesn’t look the way you hoped it will look.
Are you ready to let go and trust in this way?
