The Anatomy of Hope

Hope is a significant part of human evolution. Without it, we would perhaps be contentedly doing something quite different, something much less intellectually stimulating, much less emotionally satisfying, and much less spiritually uplifting.

But what exactly is hope? Here is what I have garnered in my 47 years as my interpretation of the anatomy of hope:

H - It is the birthright of every person to experience Happiness. Embodying this principle is imperative. And the effects are not only personal. Once you have begun to embody that birthright is your happiness, it follows quite naturally that it is everyone else's birthright as well. This bodes so well for the evolution of humanity that it could almost be enough on its own, but there is more.

O - Optimism is like the lifeline of hope. Blind optimism that is way out of touch with reality is useless. We are looking here at Optimism in the sense that what we think is what we create. If you are constantly thinking all things bad, your life will be the perfect mirror representation of all things bad. And, if we are willing to optimistically refuse to give up on love, we give ourselves strength in the daily battle against fear. Is there anything more hopeful than overcoming fear?

P - Prayer is a fundamental part of the anatomy of hope. The brain is a powerful thing, and it will convince itself that it is the boss, but in truth, the brain is only a tool we are given. Prayer, in the deepest form of recitation, mantra and meditation is the only way I know of really getting a handle on the brain. Prayer is the only place where the brain loses its idiotic tendency to control everything. Prayer is the place where the peace exists that passeth all understanding, it is the place that delivers us into knowing, rather than thinking. Nothing could be better.

E - E stands for exemplary. Hope is the threshhold of change, but change doesn't happen from the outside in, change happens from the inside out. For real hope, you, yourself, must become the exemplar of the change that is needed. You must become the lighthouse. You must become the leader of your own life. Hope happens when you embrace your personal responsibility for the outcome of it all, and then do your part.

The anatomy of hope lies within your very soul, it is the fuse of your passion. Life is a beautiful thing - with hope. Hope is the courage to triumph over fear. Hope is the strength to change. Hope is the sure knowledge that if you reach your arms out to embrace life, life will give you everything.

Blessings.
- Darshan

© 2008 Darshan F Jessop