COMMITMENT AND DUTY

The international symbol for Commitment looks a bit like this ---

W

It means to put your arse on the line.

But what is the difference between Commitment and Duty?
And when does Commitment turn into Duty?

• When it stops feeling like a liberating of the life force in me, and starts to feel like I'm getting entrapped in a "should".
• When it feels like a narrowing-down, rather than an opening-up;
• When it becomes fixated on another, rather than giving expression to my deepest Self;
• When it feels like an obligation, rather than a willing engaging with, and a consecrating to, something larger than just the sum of myself and that which I'm committed to.

 This latter kind of commitment, to something larger than just the sum of parts, is the kind of commitment I look for in relationship. A relationship where the two individuals are committed just to each other and/or to "the relationship", can deteriorate into Duty. A relationship that stands committed to something more than just the sum of its parts -- ie. a context -- is far more likely to flourish, and nourish all those within coo-ee of it.

+++++++

Whenever I feel a commitment closing in,
I look for the prejudicial expectations that have crept in,
And replace each "should" with a "could"-----
"I should do this because........" 
Is replace by
"I could do this  because........., or I could do something else, like......"
Possibilities immediately begin to open up
And space is created to re-cognise the connection
Between what I was committing to,
And my heart's deepest desire.

Commitment is a deliberate, liberating, joyful, whole-hearted expression
Of my best self,
Willingly aligned
With becoming what I want.

In fact, you can't live life without committment.
In a way,
Under a camouflage of "duties",
Everyone is committed -- to many things and people,
But few truly acknowledge
"Committed to What exactly?"

What are your Commitments,
As distinct from your duties?

Only you can answer that, for you.
And some profound research may be required,
Because you may have a bunch of commitments
You don't even know about.
If you need some help, try this for starters ---

Create at least five endings to each of the following statement stems:-
(Jot down everything that occurs to you. Censor nothing -- if a thought pops, put it on paper.)

• One of the situations which seems to keep recurring lately is...........
• One of the things I'm really dead against is.............
• One of the emotions that I feel quite often is..........
• I often catch myself having uncomfortable thoughts like...............
• I am beginning to realise that I may have some kind of attraction for ..............

Look at your list now.
All these things you barely knew about.
Those things you're now looking at
You have an emotional investment in.
There is an element of Commitment in each and every one.

Now you see it:
Now they're gone;
The seeing IS the movement.

We cannot live without commitment,
But it's probably wise to unmask the energy investments that rob us of our well-being,
And commit a little more
To qualities that inspire us,
Don't you think?