Discovering the Effortless Life, Part 3 – Defenselessness
Part 3 – Defenselessness
Continuing from my previous blogs under the title Discovering the Effortless Life (see Part 1 and Part 2), this is Part 3, where we’ll explore the final principle: Defenselessness.
Before diving in, let’s briefly review all three principles of the Law of Effortless Life.
The Three Principles of the Effortless Life
Acceptance – I will practice acceptance. Today, I will accept people, situations, circumstances, and events as they occur. I will trust that this moment is exactly as it should be, because the universe is as it should be.
I will not resist the present moment. My acceptance is total and complete—I accept things as they are, not as I wish they were.
Responsibility – Having accepted things as they are, I will take responsibility for my circumstances and for any events I perceive as problems.
I understand that taking responsibility means not blaming anyone or anything for my situation—not even myself. I recognize that every problem is an opportunity in disguise, and by staying alert to these opportunities, I can transform the moment into a greater benefit.
Defenselessness – Today, I will remain grounded in defenselessness. I will release the need to defend my point of view or persuade others to adopt it. I will remain open to all perspectives, without rigid attachment to any particular one.
Unpacking the Third Principle: Defenselessness
Let’s reflect on this principle, one sentence at a time.
Today my awareness will remain established in defenselessness. Deepak Chopra
The word “today” reminds us to live in the present. We can’t change the past, and we don’t know what tomorrow holds. What we can do is live fully in the moment we’re given. By anchoring our awareness in defenselessness, we consciously choose peace over struggle.
Notice that it refers to our awareness. It’s not about acting defenseless or passive—it’s about a mindset. Once we’ve accepted life as it is (Part 1) and taken responsibility for our response to it (Part 2), we are in a strong place to release the need to defend our position. This brings a sense of inner calm and freedom.
I will relinquish the need to defend my point of view. Deepak Chopra
When we live by acceptance and responsibility, there’s no longer a need to justify or protect our opinions. The need to defend usually arises when we feel our beliefs are being challenged, rejected, or misunderstood.
But once we’ve come to peace within ourselves, and owned our role in any situation, the urge to defend melts away.
What a liberating way to live! When we stop reacting to every disagreement or misunderstanding, we conserve our energy for what really matters.
I will feel no need to convince or persuade others to accept my point of view. Deepak Chopra
This is a natural outcome of practicing the first two principles. When we’ve accepted what is, and taken full responsibility for ourselves, we no longer seek validation from others. The desire to convince often comes from a place of rejection or feeling unheard.
But when we’re grounded in our truth, and in peace with our role in the situation, we release that burden. We’re no longer driven by the need to be right—we’re simply at peace with how things are.
I will remain open to all points of view and not be rigidly attached to any one of them. Deepak Chopra
This is where real freedom lies. When we’re open to different perspectives without clinging to our own, we become more flexible, compassionate, and understanding. This doesn’t mean compromising truth or values—it means listening, learning, and being humble.

When do we struggle most to accept other points of view? Often, it’s when we believe we know best—when pride gets in the way. But who among us has all the answers?
Who can see every angle of a situation?
While there are moral absolutes, much of life involves nuance and different approaches. By practicing humility, we recognize that others, too, are created in the image of God—worthy of being heard and honored.
When we release pride and choose openness, we foster connection, peace, and shared growth.
Living the Effortless Life – Defenselessness
So, is it really possible to live an “effortless life”? Not necessarily easy—but absolutely possible.
Living by the principles of Acceptance, Responsibility, and Defenselessness requires practice and intentionality. But when you begin to apply them, you’ll notice something shift: less struggle, more peace. Less resistance, more flow. Less stress, more clarity.
Why not give it a try in your own life?
If you’re unsure where to begin or feel stuck in old patterns, I encourage you to start with a simple step: download the free guide, Mind Shift – 7 Day Mental Diet.
It’s designed to help you shift your mindset and break free from limiting habits.
Also, consider signing up for this year’s Master Key Experience (MKE) class. It could be the most meaningful gift you give yourself—and you won’t regret it.
Such powerful sharing, Esther. After all, it’s principles that endure. This is a great reminder and summarization of principles that really count! Thank you for the time you took to prepare this and share it.
This always reminds me of the concept of not having opinions. So difficult at first, but freeing! Thanks for sharing this series.
Esther, I just love how you’ve gently helped us see what to do to live an effortless life. And what a gift the MasterMind is when we are in the #MasterKeyExperience, right? Like these posts of yours, it’s such a gift to be inspired to all this by others walking the talk and gently calling our attention to embracing these practices, too.
These are the secrets to retaining a positive outlook. Thank you Esther for bringing this to us. Living in the present, taking responsibility and tolerance are key to personal growth.