Letting Go

Posted on August 31, 2014 by Simple Changes

We all have times in our lives when we’ve been hurt or have hurt others. It’s part of the human experience.

While it’s important to learn from unpleasant experiences, making amends whenever possible and vowing to do better in the future, it’s not such a good idea to relive the hurtful moments over and over again. Doing that causes us to feel the negative emotions repeatedly as well. When that happens, it’s time to let it go.

I have a simple technique that has worked really well for me.

RocksImagine that you are going through life wearing a trench coat, with deep pockets full of rocks. Each rock represents an unpleasant memory that you are holding onto. As you can imagine, going through life carrying around those experiences is like carrying around rocks – they eventually wear you down.

So, the next time you think of an unpleasant memory, imagine yourself reaching into a pocket and picking out the rock that represents that memory. Take the time to look at it from all angles and feel the weight of it. Then, when you are ready, put the rock down on the ground. Let it go and notice how much lighter you feel without that rock in your pocket.

Do this every time you think of an unpleasant memory. Eventually your pockets will be empty of unpleasant memories and your life will be lighter and more peaceful.

Give it a try and see if this works for you.

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The (Life Changing) Four Agreements

Posted on August 10, 2014 by Simple Changes

Books can be life changing. For me “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz was certainly that.

Like many people, for years I was shy, struggled with what people thought of me and had a lot of self-judgement. This book gave me practical advice and opened a door that forever changed how I view others and myself. I found a personal freedom in discovering a way to accept myself and others just as they are.

While I’m not perfect and sometimes forget, life is so much easier whenever I follow these four special agreements.

The Four Agreements

  1. Be impeccable with your word
    Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
  2. Don’t take anything personally
    Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.
  3. Don’t make assumptions
    Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.
  4. Always do your best
    Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgement, self-abuse, and regret.

Visit Don Miguel Ruiz website for more information.

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