Beloved friends, my teachers, today I am reflecting on wise words about love and understanding written by Don Miguel Ruiz. His words touch me deeply and harmonize with Joshua’s message. A copy of The Four Agreements holds a place of honor on my desk and is a constant reminder to me about lessons I’m learning. I am a student of life and not the master of it. I don’t seek perfection, yet I want to do my best. I know my fellow travelers grant me permission to stumble because making mistakes is a part of the learning. There is no shame in this process. I am loving and forgiving toward myself and others.
I want to share two passages from two different books by Don Miguel Ruiz in my blog post today (see below). These ideas are precious to my aims of growth and intentions to do my best. I hope you will find value in reviewing these concepts, too.
In the book, Mastery of Love, Mr. Ruiz wrote: To master a relationship is all about you. The first step is to become aware (and) to know that everyone dreams his own dream. Once you know, you can be responsible for your half of the relationship. If you know that you are only responsible for half of the relationship, you can easily control your half – it is not up to us to control the other half. If we respect this, we know that our partner, or friend, or son, or mother, is completely responsible for his or her own half. If we respect the other half, there is always going to be peace in that relationship. There is no war. (end quote)
One of The Four Agreements is “Don’t Take Anything Personally” and it is summarized by Don Miguel Ruiz this way: Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering. (end quote)
These two passages remind me to let go of expectations about how others “should” behave or treat me — even in my closest relationships. Releasing expectations about the behavior of others allows us to sidestep “needless suffering” and personally toxic energy.
Our relationships are a great source of joy and love; relationships may also be a source of sadness and frustration. All the feelings and experiences within our relationships occur for a reason. We remember to look in the mirror and see more clearly into our whole being. I am deeply grateful for the mirror you provide on my behalf. You play the role I asked you to play perfectly. And, I lovingly hold the mirror for you.
No human is perfect, yet we are perfectly human. BIG SMILE! We are loved unconditionally just the way we are.