I’ve been meditating with this question recently and it has brought up some interesting challenges and triggers along with some powerful insights. It has helped me identify some perceptions and beliefs I’m reluctant to let go, even they are no longer a match for me now. It has also helped me understand reasons and causes for reluctance to step forward and respond in certain situations.
Someone once shared with me the practice of changing “responsible” into “able to respond”. We sometimes mistake responsibilities with obligations. An obligation is a duty, task, something that can feel like it has power over us. We can choose to see responsibilities as opportunities to contribute and be of service, as moments when we are in a position to participate as a member of a community, whether that’s a partnership, a family, a neighborhood, the world or the universe.
Divine Responsibility is being able (and willing) to respond with our whole selves, not just our physical actions but our whole energy and intention. We can trust in the Divine Wisdom of the whole and let go of the need to control other people’s choices. Divine Responsibility is about discerning when it’s our place to take action and when it’s time to step back and give someone else the opportunity. It is free of judgment if no one else does step up. The focus becomes, “What can I do?” rather than, “What did you do?” We can focus on what we can each offer and do it with joy for the greater good, rather than tallying up a list of who did what or worrying about whether our contributions measure up.
Are you mistaking responsibilities for obligations? What do you need to shift within to free yourself of obligation consciousness and step into your divine responsibilities? Take a few moments to meditate on these questions: What are my true responsibilities?