THE TENDER TRAP
(by Vernon Howard)

Knowledge about how to work on yourself is necessary.  It provides a compass that guides us safely into the unknown territory of our minds.  Equally important is applying what we learn to our everyday life.  When we work simultaneously on both, we find there is no choice but to give up.  You could say we fall into a tender trap.  One of the most challenging situations we face is: ‘Always wanting to be right’.  So often we are easily offended if anyone questions or even slightly challenges our position.  This exercise may be the hardest, but quickest way to having a free spirit.  Test it out and see for yourself.

Arouse Yourself to Lose

REJOICE every time someone passes you, gets the advancement, the romance.  REJOICE every time they pass you up, until you are in last place.  And stay there until you see you should have done it years ago.

NO MORE WINNING, only conscious losing….of all your false values.

DON’T BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.  Allow yourself to lose!  Never mind the resistance (such as, “Where is the next race?”  There is none!  That is Heaven!)

BE PASSIVE.  No ego victories.  No wanting attention.  No aggressive putting forth of YOUR ideas, views, opinions.

LET THE DEFEAT BE COMPLETE.  Defeated!….Humiliated!….Broken-spirited!…Sick!….Crushed!….

That is the Grand Experience! – Exhilarating! – Don’t goof it!

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