Eat, Pray, Love - Part III

More insights from this wonderful book to round out these entries and also the year...

Prayer is a relationship; half the job is mine...

Destiny...is also a relationship - a play between divine grace and willful self effort. Half of it you have no control over; half of it is absolutely in your hands ,and your actions will show measurable consequences...

On thoughts

You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select what clothes you're gonna wear every day. This is a power you can cultivate...

[This is] admitting...the existence of negative thoughts, understanding where they came from and why they arrived and then - with great forgiveness and fortitude - dismissing them...

I will not harbor unhealthy thoughts anymore...

You may not come here anymore with your hard and abusive thoughts...all these will be turned away...This is a peaceful harbor, the entryway to a fine and proud island that is only beginning to cultivate tranquility...That is my mission, and it will never end...

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FREEDOM
(Elizabeth received these at the ashram before her final ritual of letting go of her marriage)

1. Life's metaphors are God's instructions.

2. You have just climbed up and above the roof. There is nothing between you and the Infinite. Now, let go.

3.The day is ending. It's time for something that was beautiful to turn into something else that is beautiful. Now, let go.

4. Your wish for resolution was a prayer. Your being here is God's reponse. Let go, and watch the stars come out - on the outside and the inside.

5. With all your heart, ask for grace, and let go.

6. With all your heart, forgive him, FORGIVE YOURSELF, and let him go.

7. Let your intention be freedom from useless suffering. Then, let go.

8. Watch the heat of the day pass into the cool of the night. Let go.

9. When the karma of a relationship is done, only love remains. It's safe. Let go.

10. When the past has passed from you at last, let go. Then climb down and begin the rest of your life. With great joy.

Elizabeth released this relationship with a beautiful ritual and then did a handstand on the roof at the ashram.

For all of us who've been there and done that - and for those of us still struggling to release: Yeah!

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