BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Atheist The 4 Agreements

Sounds quite profound. I really like this: "Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream."

I don't mean to turn this into a religious thing - but I was judst studyiung the 5 precepts of Buddhism for an article; and it seems to me that if you take these two sets of "rules" - then you could live a pretty good life. Both peaceful with yourself and kind to others.

I also love the term "agreements". It gives it such a positive, healthy, non-threatening feel to it. Not "rules" or other such words that make it feel forced on anyone. This sounds like a choice - you agree or you don't. No harm, no foul.

Michelle, I was actually also thinking Buddhism with the concept of causing your own suffering because your thoughts and expectations aren't balanced. "When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering."

Although, I don't think "nothing others do is because of you" applies to something like my hubby giving me flowers because he loves me and was thinking of me...

I love The Four Agreements! I did a book review on it for my Stomach Issues Site. A lot of health problems begin with the stresses involved in agreeing to what the world has to say about you. For a lot of people, this stress goes right to the stomach!

Shay

HA! If only it were so easy as deciding, "I'm going to give up panice attacks today."

For most of us that suffer from them, they are deep rooted in something. And while knowing what thaat root is definitely helps, it does not necessarily cure. A similar situation can bring one on again unexpectedly.

I hve suffered from them for years, and while they were sat their absolute worst about 4 years ago (when I fist started theraoy and was dragging up a lot of old memories), I can still have one triggered without warning. I am just better able to cope with them now.