"Be skeptical but learn to listen"

[DaBee]

.....don Miguel Ruiz and The Fifth Agreement.
SWC had posted a thread about trusting others, but verifying. It made me think of this Agreement, even though it's not quite the same, it's definitely a lead-in to a possible discussion.
To expound a bit; the 5th Agreement continues to say:


"The Fifth Agreement" asks us to be skeptical and use discernment when listening to others, and to understand that everyone has his or her own perspective and agenda reflected in their words. It is up to us to discern the truth behind the words, but always to be respectful of another's right to his or her views, even if we don't share them. Each of us is the artist of our own life, the director of our own play, and we can make it an adventure or a drama - heaven or hell, it's up to us.

It's the respectful part that I need to review within myself - including applying the concept to Geekfestivities. :)
Howbowchu?

[Teresa DeVito]

Geekfestivities, nice word Deb! Did he write a new book? I didn't know there was a 5th. Are there more? The original 4 seem like "ways to live kinda individual guide type thing". (Really having a hard time trying to articulate my thought here).

1. Be impeccable with your word.
2. Do your best.
3. Don't take things personally.
4. Don't make assumptions.

This 5th one is more of an interaction with others kinda thing. Seems like if you were on track with the first four, that 5th one wouldn't be necessary.

Here's a video about The Fifth Agreement.

http://spiritlibrary.com/videos/don-miguel-ruiz-the-fifth-agreement

[DaBee]

I enjoyed reading the 5th a while back as it tied all of the agreements together in a more focused perspective. I don't believe you'd be wasting your time reading it.
p.s.....I can't watch videos; is it a good review?

[Teresa DeVito]

It's Don Miguel Ruiz speaking about the fifth agreement. I found it to be interesting and I realized I need to be more immersed in my practices. Thank you for that!

[jdelo]

Just got the 5th, and it is a nice review of the first 4 and more..... and as we are always in a new place in ourselves, to learn and hear and feel more..... each time around... I find it to be a great reminder.....

Blessings to all!

[tizzy]

The fifth agreement contains wise words, indeed! I am working on the "don't take things personally" agreement. I seem to have a hard time with that one.

[DaBee]

Now that you've mentioned the newest Ruiz book, NG, I'm reading it again. Would you like to borrow it? I find it helpful to go through The Four Agreements from time to time, also. Seems I find more layers of wisdom in it each time.
I agree, Tizzy - that's a tough one. I tend to react on that personal level before I have a chance to catch myself. I'm trying, though!

[Teresa DeVito]

Thank you DaBee. I'd love to borrow it but I know I won't read it right now. I will keep it in mind when I get a chaNce to pick up a book.

I think that one, don't take things personally, would be the hardest for most people. Not such a big deal when dealing with strangers but when dealing with those we love.