| |
Which of the Four Agreements was the one that called to you most when you were introduced to it?
“Don't take anything personally.”
How has your understanding of that Agreement evolved?
it started out as a wise concept, but an abstract one – it's turned into an everyday practice and has also turned into an awareness on an emotional and present-time level – in other words, it doesn't just live in my mind anymore
How did it affect your life, could you see specific ways in which that Agreement changed you and the way you interact with the world?
it served me very well during a recent breakup – it functioned as an anchor to keep me connected to what I know is true about me and my life, instead of allowing me to be knocked off balance by someone else's perceptions of me
also, in general, that agreement helps me be more compassionate with people – if someone acts in an unfriendly manner toward me, I figure he or she is having a challenging day (or life), and I send out some kind thoughts – I feel softer and more in balance as a result of integrating that agreement into my life
back in the 1980s, I was involved with Landmark Education – the seminar leaders used to quote Werner Erhard as saying, “If you want to know how important your opinions are, go outside at night, tell them to the stars, and watch to see how much impact they have.” – for me, that ties into not taking things personally – other people's opinions are just their opinions, not The Truth and often not even relevant to my life – which is not to rule out me using them as food for thought sometimes – but ultimately other people's opinions belong to them and aren't my business – and the reverse is true, as well – I've become more respectful of others in how/when/if I communicate my opinions to them
Is it something you consciously work with? Regularly or sporadically?
every day, but not like work – more that it's part of my grounding, and I bring consciousness to it to keep it healthy
As you learned to assimilate the Agreement into your life, which of the other Agreements then called your attention?
“Always do your best.” I remember that when I read that agreement, my “inner perfectionist” relaxed a bit – I tend to think I need to do things flawlessly and I can get really driven – I have a current work project with a new company that has a huge learning curve, and I'm having to just do my best and let it be enough – it's a great lesson for me
|
