"It is neither the horse nor the elephant
and never – ever – the tiger
It is the goat that is offered in sacrifice
Even the gods slain the weak" -- Chanakya
When it comes to Hindus, it’s not the goat as sacrificial lamb but even the elephants too……
Why The Elephants Don’t Run (excerpts)
By Jim Donovan
A number of years ago, I had the rather unique experience of being backstage in Madison Square Garden, in New York, during the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus. To say the least, it was a fascinating experience. I was able to walk around looking at the lions, tigers, giraffes and all the other circus animals. As I was passing the elephants, I suddenly stopped, confused by the fact that these huge creatures were being held by only a small rope tied to their front leg. No chains, no cages. It was obvious that the elephants could, at any time, break away from their bonds but for some reason, they did not. I saw a trainer near by and asked why these beautiful, magnificent animals just stood there and made no attempt to get away.
“Well,” he said, “when they are very young and much smaller we use the same size rope to tie them and, at that age, it’s enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They think the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break free.”
I was amazed. These animals could at any time break free from their bonds but because they believed they could not, they were stuck right where they were.
Like the elephants, how many of us go through life hanging onto a belief that we cannot do something, simply because we failed at it once before? How many of us are being held back by old, outdated beliefs that no longer serve us? Have you avoided trying something new because of a limiting belief? Worse, how many of us are being held back by someone else’s limiting beliefs? Do you tell yourself you can’t sell because you’re not a salesperson?
Remember that your subconscious mind does not know the difference between real and imaginary. It has been said throughout history that what ever you believe, with conviction, you can achieve. Don’t be like the poor elephant and go through your life stuck because of a limiting belief you were given or developed years ago. Take charge of your life and live it to the fullest. You deserve the best!
From http://www.AsAManThinketh.net
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Jim Donovan is the author of the International bestsellers, Handbook To A Happier Life and This Is Your Life, Not A Dress Rehearsal. He is also the founder and CEO of http://www.FreelanceHelp.com, an Internet network for creative professionals. His articles, books and a free subscription to his newsletter are available from http://www.jimdonovan.com
( thanks to partha in http://satyameva-jayate.org/2009/02/11/quote-of-the-week-2/#comments )