Just had a nice morning walk through 10″ of late April powder. I tend to read while I walk. I have never thought much of it, although it seems other people don’t know how I do it. I have been reading the follow up to one of my favorite books of all-time, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.
This book is The Fifth Agreement (You can go to MyOnlineBlastoff to get cash back discounts on all purchases) offers reasoning as to adding the additional agreement. I have long thought of this agreement in my own life, but I did not previously see such a tight correlation.
As I was walking I was re-reading the initial 4 agreements:
1) Be Impeccable with your Word – Your mind is full of knowledge, but how are you using that knowledge. “The word, as a symbol, has the magic and power of creation because it can reproduce an image, an idea, a feeling, or an entire story in your imagination.”I was reminded of the understanding of the power of what we say and how we say it. It prompted me to understand
the way we use symbols as representation for a thought or a string of thoughts, or an entire belief system. I thought of the way a series of words or symbols with action can completely change the course of history. Adam and Even, Original sin, Infidel, The Rich, The Poor, American Flag, Hand on our heart, Salute to the Leader of a country. I also recounted how most humans use words. Perhaps through gossip or opinion. And where did you learn your “words”. “Impeccability of the word is so important because the word is you, the messenger. You are telling yourself a story, but is it the truth?” “Being impeccable with your word means never using the power of the word against yourself.”
2) Not Take Anything Personally – We are dreaming. Each of us is living our own lives. Others actions are based upon the agreements they have made with themselves, rather than your knowledge/agreements. “Who is dreaming the story of your life? You are.
If you don’t like your life, if you don’t like what you believe about yourself, you are the only one who can change it. It is your world; it’s your dream.” How often do I become the supporting character in someone else’s dream, rather than the lead in my own. (For me, all too often). Others want ‘secondary’ characters the way they want them to be, and if they are not, they fell very hurt. They take everything personally. With this awareness, you can also understand the solution, and it’s something simple and logical. Don’t take anything personally.
Those are the two I internalized this morning. The remaining three will have to wait for tomorrows walk.
3) Don’t make assumptions
4) Always do your best
5th) Be skeptical, but learn to listen
To your success,
Jon
