Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.
I wish I could take credit for such wise words, but I cannot. This is a quote from the book “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz.
A week or so ago, I was talking with another soul caster about books I had read. I had forgotten all about this book. It was so good, not very long and to the point. I read it in about a day. Now that I have pulled it off the shelf again, I think it is time for me to re-read it.
I do like this chapter, one of the agreements, don’t take it personally. I have been trying consciously to make that effort. If I can overcome that feeling everything is “directed at, to, or about me, I will be a much freer person in spirit. How utterly selfish of me to think that the world and its conversations would revolve around me in the first place!! That is just foolish!
If someone it talking badly about me, so be it. It is most likely that that person is not happy with themselves. If someone wishes to talk behind my back about me, so be it, I know who I am and it will not affect who I am…. But it does affect who that person is.
I sometimes struggle with this concept, as it is a hard one to learn. How do you not take on things said “personally”. It is especially hard at work when one can get caught up in battles and gossip. It’s a cruel world out there, but I can still find that inner peace if I just learn not to take it all personally.
