Positive Indifference

Don’t you think it is interesting that we human beings seem to have a strong self-destructive streak? We see it in individuals time and again, making what appear to be foolish mistakes, and seemingly hell-bent to do exactly the thing that will bring about a worst case scenario. We see it with churches, in world governments, and so many areas of life. Humans are going to human - and create what we fear the most.

The wonderful writer Dorothea Brande in her book Wake up and Live coined the phrase “the will to fail.” We are drawn to our own failure. We focus on what we fear - what we don't want to happen instead of what we want to happen. It is a form of manifestation practice. The brain and emotions focus on what we feel (and fear) most intensely, and draw it to us.

This reminds me of when I was learning to ride a bicycle. In a large space with plenty of room, I was so afraid of the mailbox that it began to come very quickly at me. Actually because I was so focused on it I began to steer toward it. It was an example of my own will to fail. We fail because we are so afraid to fail. Failure feels like death to the deep consciousness.

Positive Indifference is the experience of unconditional love for our life. It doesn't mean that we cease to work toward our goals, but that we are aware that our consciousness exists at multiple levels at once. We can work for our goals, and at the same time be present to that part of our consciousness that loves our life - no matter what.

We began to feel a great relief in not standing guard over the paths our lives or our loved ones lives will follow. We can let our children and spouses go the way they must go, and love them just as they are. We can accept that life will end, and realize that life is truly good.

Intend positive indifference. Work with it. It takes time to uncover, but it is there - silently at peace and firmly in contentment. It has no limit. It is simply the non-judgmental witness. When we experience positive indifference, life is beautiful just as it is.