Why Do We Have Weaknesses?

Sometimes determination doesn't seem to be enough.  Sometimes I cave into weaknesses.  Sometimes I know I'm doing it - I think to myself, 'I know I shouldn't, but I can't stand it anymore, I'm going to do it anyway.'  Sometimes I realise my mistake after it happens - I didn't mean to do it, I just couldn't stop myself. 

Raja Yoga Meditation teaches that our weaknesses are down to lack of controlling power.  Yep, that sounds pretty accurate.  If I had control then I wouldn't succumb to the weakness.  But knowing this doesn't really help.  Or does it?

If we look at the prince, who has forgotten he's a prince and thinks he's a beggar, how does he behave?  He might say, 'I don't want to beg, but I have to.'  He might sleep on the streets forgetting he has a home with a bed with the finest silk sheets.  He will choose to wear rags, because he doesn't feel worthy to wear fine clothes. 

Are we falling victim to the same illusion?  When I use a weakness as an excuse for my actions, then I'm allowing myself to keep that weakness rather than to overcome it.  It's not so much that I lack controlling power, but that I choose not to use the controlling power I have.  Maybe I only have a little bit.  But just as a child builds it's muscles by using them, I build my controlling power by exercising it.  And when I've built up my controlling power, weaknesses can't even come in front of me.

So, am I a prince or a beggar?  The choice is mine.  And yours. 
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Ross Galán, NLP Spiritual Life Coach
Spiritual Life Coaching School