The Second Toltec Agreement: Don't Take Anything Personally
Yesterday, I began a series of reflections on the Four Toltec Agreements, inspired by Don Miguel Ruiz Jr.'s talk. If you haven't read the first post, I recommend starting there to better understand the context and importance of these agreements in our quest for personal freedom.
In that post, I talked about the first agreement: Be impeccable with your words.
Today, I continue with the second agreement: Don't take anything personally.
Nothing others do is because of us. What others say and do is a response to their own perception and experience of reality.
When we become immune to the opinions and our interpretations of others' actions, we free ourselves from the trap of judgment. This agreement applies not only to how we interact with others but also to how we treat ourselves.
As Buddha said: "We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves."
Rejection terrifies most people. A powerful secret to happiness is never to take rejection personally.
Whether we apply for a volunteer position and don't get it or feel attracted to someone and that person doesn't feel the same way...if we can allow ourselves to feel our reaction to rejection and not take it personally, we will be free.
By applying this agreement, we avoid carrying the weight of others' opinions and reactions, allowing us to live with more lightness and authenticity.
Tomorrow, I will continue developing my reflections on the talk and the third agreement. I appreciate your comments and own reflections on the topic. Feel free to share this post with those you think may find it useful.
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