“My responsibility is limitless. My action is limited.” When I heard these words, I was astounded at how much weight they carried. These words spoken by Sadhguru, affected me in a transformative way. It was as if I’d known all along, but had forgotten. So when I heard this I remember thinking, “Of course I’m responsible.” Sadhguru is someone who has touched me deeply and the sacrifices that he has made and continues to make on behalf of humanity are monumental. Sadhguru is responsible for starting the Isha Foundation which is a non-profit global organization that contributes in various ways. Of course, I would encourage everyone to discover this impact for themselves rather than take my word for it.
I shall bring clarity to these two statements. The first: “My responsibility is limitless.” This means I am accountable indefinitely. There is no category of life where this does not apply. I am accountable for my well-being. I am accountable for the well-being of others. I am accountable for the human impact on earth. I am accountable for the life that is happening. This notion may seem radical and one may find themselves asking, “How am I accountable for what other people do.” To that I would answer, “You cannot control other people’s behavior, but when you take responsibility for it you have the power to affect people in a way that does influence their behavior. If someone has a penchant for anger accompanied by disregard for others and you show them kindness and compassion, they will be forever changed. This isn’t to say that they will be reformed on the spot. More likely, the kindness you show them will contribute to their growth which has no expiration date. We may not always be aware of it, but our attitudes, thoughts, and behavior are affecting and being affected by others around us. The second statement: “My action is limited.” This means that I have a finite mode. There are limitations on what I can spend my time on and the methods I use. It is not reasonable to assume I can clean up all of the trash in world’s oceans, but I can be mindful of the waste I create and arm myself with the knowledge of how it accumulates. My behavior will indirectly impact those I encounter resulting in more people becoming aware. All changes start off with a single thought before they become the grandest of manifestations. Since my actions are limited it becomes ever more important to focus my efforts mindfully.
Once you accept responsibility for the quality of your life you are empowered. When you truly get it; when these words echo within, the truth reverberates throughout and alters your perspective. A paradigm shift occurs and you understand that you are the one accountable. There is nothing that can stop you except for you. There is no longer a desire to blame anyone or anything. You are a victim no more. You are now the author, the creator of your life.
Most people, and yes I do mean most, haven’t accepted this. Instead, they look to other sources for their unhappiness. Its subtle, but this is done for a very specific reason. People want to play at being the victim. They have to believe that things happen to them in order to perpetuate the game. If they are the character within the fiction rather than the author, they are allowed to be at the mercy of the ups and downs, the anxiety, the fear, the sorrow, the laughter, the love, and the joy that make up the deliciousness that is life. This careful arrangement is the result of people not ready to accept the truth of who they are. This is alright because we all have our own path and we are ready in our own time.