25

Innocence (Avoiding Complications)

‘Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.’

Matthew 5

Being innocent is quite different from being naive or unaware of what is involved. On the contrary it means knowing what the choices are and opting to do the right thing for its own sake. INNOCENCE implies acting spontaneously, without self-interested ulterior motives. This is what will ensure a most successful outcome. Whereas if you start trying to work out how to turn the situation to your own advantage, the result will simply be confusion. Do not be too concerned about yourself. Unselfish behaviour will bring its own rewards in due course. Resist being pressured into saying or doing anything you might be ashamed of. Refuse to be involved in deception of any kind. Do nothing which might harm another. Try not to be influenced by other people’s reactions. Trust your own perceptions and be guided by them. Do not compare yourself to others. Enjoy being your natural, unique self. Then you cannot fail to deal with matters in the most creative, original and appropriate way.

An opportunity for personal growth

How far are you willing to let go of control and to trust? If the outcome is to be successful, you must allow the situation to unfold naturally. Events are developing as they need to. Keep out of the way. Accept other people as they are. Do not try to force them to fit in with your expectations. Better still, do not have expectations in the first place. Live in the here and now. There is no point in trying to work everything out in advance. You cannot possibly plan for every eventuality. Situations are bound to arise which are beyond your control. The answer is to be adventurous and open to the unexpected. It is true that unforeseen events will sometimes be distressing. This cannot be helped. But if you accept them as part of the process of life, the disagreeable effects will soon pass. If you have an open mind, such events may even provide unexpected opportunities.

Further aspects of the situation

NINE IN THE FIRST PLACE

If your intentions are sincere, whatever move you make will be the right one. Follow the dictates of your heart and be spontaneous.

SIX IN THE SECOND PLACE

Dreaming about future success will not help you to achieve your aim. Be practical. Bring yourself into the here and now. Work steadily towards your goal one step at a time. Don’t keep stopping to check up on your progress.

SIX IN THE THIRD PLACE

Life is not always fair. There are times when difficulties arise through no fault of your own. Do not allow such unexpected problems to make you bitter or cynical. Taking matters personally will only weaken your position further. Be philosophical.

NINE IN THE FOURTH PLACE

You must stick to what you feel is right. Resist any pressure to change course. Do not feel obliged to comply with other people’s wishes.

NINE IN THE FIFTH PLACE

An unexpected difficulty will resolve itself of its own accord. There is nothing you need do about it. In due course all will be well again. The less you try to intervene, the better.

NINE AT THE TOP

You have done as much as you can. Any further action would be a mistake. However good your intentions, you would be misunderstood.