I recently re-read "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. One of the agreements is "be impeccable with your word". Sounds easier on paper. The agreements states, "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." As I read the words, it seemed easy enough. I wrote the words in my journal and began to list the ways in which I follow that particular agreement. I also wrote down the ways in which I do not follow that agreement. What I noticed is there are times when I am in alignment with my word, my emotions, my heart and my soul. Those are the times in which I am able to follow the agreement to the letter, for others. I see the world through the eyes of love. I feel compassion for my fellow beings and hold a space of love and light. I can do that easily for others. I can watch what I say and am mindful of my thoughts.

However, for myself that is a different story. The inner critic plays a leading role in my mind. I began to journal about this and created ways in which I could recast the inner critic to a bit part instead of a leading role. I mapped it out and had a plan. It all seemed so easy until I took the plan into the real world. How quickly the critical voice showed up. I stopped, took a breath and re-framed my thoughts. Next step, again, inner critic, stop, re-frame. Gee! By the end of the day I was exhausted. The next day I looked over my notes, re-wrote some things and set out for my day. Again, every step seemed to be a dramatic scene worthy of an Academy Award for my inner critic. After a few day of this exhausting exercise, I sat quietly staring out the window. I watched the rain hitting the window, closed my eyes and enjoyed the symphony. It was in the moment of being present that I began to laugh. I began to laugh so hard, my sides hurt. It was in this moment I realized that each time I re-framed my plan to be impeccable with my word to myself, I wasn't being impeccable with my word to myself. I was making myself wrong for not doing the task perfectly. Instead of noticing my thoughts, acknowledging them and moving on, I was criticizing myself for not being perfect. I was not using my word in the direction of truth and love, I was using it to judge and criticize. Instead of loving myself as I am, I judged myself for not being what I thought I "should" be in order to follow the first agreement.

The first agreement is as simple as "be love". Be loving in your thoughts, your words and your actions to yourself and others. Share your love, your light and your heart with yourself and others. We are all the same and we are all one. So, be impeccable with your word and speak the language of your soul. LOVE!

Are you looking for a new direction? Working on changing your thoughts to support you heart's desire? Allow me to support you on your journey. Contact me to schedule an appointment and together we can create a world of endless possibilities.

Plant Spirit Wisdom

Lemon Balm
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