The Power of Intention Part 5 of 10: Receptivity
March 6, 2009 by dr. lam
This is a favorite of mine. The intention of receptivity is almost a summary of everything that we have talked about this week. Too often we are totally focused on how are we going to achieve something. In so doing, we oftentimes circumvent our ability to achieve it because we are focused on the negative thoughts of trying to accomplish it with all of the attendant frustrations that come with a mechanical view of “how am I going to do that?”
Instead, being open and receptive will make all the difference. God and the universe will provide for you if you just allow that chance to occur. When I am with my patients, I am totally open even when I deal with seemingly difficult patients. People become aligned with my positive energy and spirit of receptivity. I like to frame it in perhaps an easier way, BE OPEN.
When we are closed, we create walls all around us. We do not connect with others, and in the process we can’t connect with ourselves. By focusing on our own problems and limitations, we remain closed. Therefore, the opposite of receptivity is resistance. If you are feeling resistance, let it go and be open to receive. By helping others with their problems (see the series on the Art of Happiness for a better understanding), we become open and receptive vessels. Today, go out and be as open as possible. Be receptive to all of those around you. Work on the intention of being open. When you become open to those around you, you will see that the needs that you thought you needed will become manifest without even trying.
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8 Responses to “The Power of Intention Part 5 of 10: Receptivity”
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This mentality of embracing what the universe has to over you and allowing yourself to work with it instead of against it, at first sounds a bit too new age-y for me. I am one of those types of people that analyzes everything to see if it is possible, and tend to feel very anxious letting anything go undetermined.
However, recently I have found (with the help and enlightenment through Dr. Lam’s blogs) that sometimes looking at all the details in things actually paralyzes someone from being able to reap the benefits that the big picture has to offer.
I now think that when someone follow’s his/her passion, the universe will work with that person to make it possible for him/her to succeed. Further, I think that when people are working against or out of rhythm with their passion, they will have the sense that everything is against them and will feel a lack of energy or enthusiasm in life, and may even develop a negative outlook.
I am changing my viewpoint, and the more I change it, the more I realize that following one’s passion, even though the means my not be determined, is a much more enriching way to live than trying to analyze life.
This is an enormous step of change in life philosophy for me, because I always thought that “logic” was always the answer. I’m finding out now that it really has to do with someone’s viewpoint and perspective that makes their world the world it is for them.
(his/her, him/her….I’m tired of being politically/grammatically correct.)
Thank you, Dr. Lam! You are a very inspiring person! I think your name will go down in history as one of the great, all-talented people in the 21st century.
I have this dreadful habit of putting apostrophes before my S’s even when they don’t need it.
thanks heather! i am so proud and happy for your change in your life. that was a shift i had to make myself a few years back. before entering fellowship, my favorite author was ayn rand. she really inspired me to focus on logic and reason. i started to realize that this was only a small slice of the pie. our emotional energy influences everyone around us. by having to run 3 businesses and a 27,000 square foot building with 50 staff under me, i realize that i have to lead not by logic but by example with heart and magnitude of spirit. i think you can feel my spirit even from your distance from me. thanks again for all of your beautiful energy. i am really really really happy for your change.
Precisely put, Doctor, and thanks!
Every Saturday, one of my sisters and I meet to discuss our latest philosophies, psychologies and news, and we talked about this concept. My sister and I are very similar in that we are very analytical in how we live. She really liked the idea of incorporating these views into her daily living strategy to maintain a more enriching and fulfilling life. I just thought I’d let you know that you have yet influenced another person.
Boy, Doc, you sure know how to win friends and influence people!
Btw….to settle my curiosity, and if you don’t mind my asking, what did you mean when you mentioned “fellowship”?
ah, sorry, medical term. as a physician, we go through many stages of training: i did medical school (self explanatory), internship in general surgery (first year of residency), residency in head and neck surgery (self explanatory), then elective training thereafter called “fellowship” in facial plastic surgery. i also then went to asia to do a “preceptorship” which was unaccredited to just follow Asian surgeons around. i was in school until i was close to 34 straight!
also, i’m glad your sister(s) are reading this blog. WELCOME! hope you guys can be partly as active as heather here.
Wow, you sure devoted a large portion of your life to school! That’s really admirable!! I am sure that you are top notch in what you do!
Oh, I did tell my siblings about your blog, as for them reading it, hopefully they will. What I meant was that one of my sisters is going to incorporate the mentality of this blog post of being more open and less analytical about life into her life.
Hey, thanks!
no problem. so long as you keep reading, that is great. i hope they will too!