Deepak Chopra's Top 5 Life Lessons
The author of the novel The 13th Disciple, on faith, science and love. Join Oprah & Deepak on a transformational journey to be the person you were born to be in Desire and Destiny, an all-new meditation experience.
Photo: Jeremiah Sullivan
Faith makes all things possible.
Having an inner certainty that there is something—whether it's a god, a religion, whatever you believe in—behind the events in our lives takes the pressure off us to try to figure everything out. I don't need to have all the answers because that certainty makes me feel less unsure.
Meditation doesn't have to be hard.
Many people struggle with the exercise because they focus on the end result or worry about what they're supposed to be doing. But it doesn't have to be all about emptying your head of thoughts. Just sit. Be still. Of course your mind won't be completely quiet at first, but if you keep practicing, you'll find peace.
We will never solve the mystery of existence through science.
Sure, science is a great measurement, but it's just a map. It doesn't reveal our destination or the stops we'll make along the way. For example, consider love: It's a riddle we can't quantify or prove, but it exists, and it makes life worthwhile.
Love means total acceptance.
Over time, I've realized that in a relationship or a marriage, you shouldn't try to change your partner. We are who we are, and when you accept people instead of trying to change them to fit your needs, your relationships can fully blossom.
I love my family and children, but that's not enough.
It's selfish to love only the people in my life. There's so much conflict today that I think it's important to expand one's efforts as far as possible. True love should be expansive. I don't want to be confined to my own little definition of who I am individually and where in the world I fit in.
Register today for Oprah & Deepak's 21-Day Meditation Experience, Desire and Destiny and discover your purpose, follow your passion, and become the person you were born to be.
Having an inner certainty that there is something—whether it's a god, a religion, whatever you believe in—behind the events in our lives takes the pressure off us to try to figure everything out. I don't need to have all the answers because that certainty makes me feel less unsure.
Meditation doesn't have to be hard.
Many people struggle with the exercise because they focus on the end result or worry about what they're supposed to be doing. But it doesn't have to be all about emptying your head of thoughts. Just sit. Be still. Of course your mind won't be completely quiet at first, but if you keep practicing, you'll find peace.
We will never solve the mystery of existence through science.
Sure, science is a great measurement, but it's just a map. It doesn't reveal our destination or the stops we'll make along the way. For example, consider love: It's a riddle we can't quantify or prove, but it exists, and it makes life worthwhile.
Love means total acceptance.
Over time, I've realized that in a relationship or a marriage, you shouldn't try to change your partner. We are who we are, and when you accept people instead of trying to change them to fit your needs, your relationships can fully blossom.
I love my family and children, but that's not enough.
It's selfish to love only the people in my life. There's so much conflict today that I think it's important to expand one's efforts as far as possible. True love should be expansive. I don't want to be confined to my own little definition of who I am individually and where in the world I fit in.
Register today for Oprah & Deepak's 21-Day Meditation Experience, Desire and Destiny and discover your purpose, follow your passion, and become the person you were born to be.
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