Getting a Healthy Lifestyle Begins with Your Mindset
(Health Secrets Newsletter) Here is the last agreement from the book by Don Miguel Ruiz called The Four Agreements. The philosophy of this book made a huge impression on me and influenced the direction of my life in a way I could never have anticipated. Don’t miss my first three articles on the agreements. In the first one, learn how to stop undermining the life you want. In the second, set yourself free from the control of others. In the third, learn how to perpetuate positive self esteem.
The Fourth Agreement
Be Impeccable With Your Word – Seemed straightforward to me the first time I became familiar with the agreement. Of course I’m impeccable with my word! I embody integrity, don’t we all? However, once I started opening myself up to really hear what Don Miguel Ruiz is saying, I realized this was a far broader issue than I had originally thought.
Words equal power. Words create, destroy, hurt, love, hate, worry and lots of other things I can’t even begin to describe here. Think about it. Words have power to destroy people, cause wars, begin fights, and initiate some of the worse horrors we have ever experienced as a people. Words can build people up, secure bonds, show love, begin lives, endear people to our hearts, and embrace some of our most special memories.
Words are so much more than they appear to be at face value. The word is a seed planted in your mind which works for or against you. As you sow, so shall you reap. Our word is our power to create. In the beginning there was the Word!
Pay attention to the words you use which translate to the type of seeds you are planting. Being impeccable with your word is not using the word against yourself or others. Remember to choose your words carefully. Once they are spoken you cannot take them back and they have a deep and permanent effect.
Once you bring them into conscious thought, you must retrain your brain to erase the pattern created by using the word to blame or judge – yourself or others.
How do you talk to yourself? How do you refer to others? Do you berate and belittle yourself or others? Do you speak with love and kindness? Do you gossip? Do you find fault?
Be your best friend and remember that we were all created to be perfect. We can remain perfect, just the way we are. Be a people builder, and give the gift of encouragement. Clear certain words from your vocabulary: don’t, but, try, should, have to, could have, hard, worry, problem, hate, difficult, can’t, not, no! Add these words on a frequent basis: gratitude, laughter, kindness, love, abundance, success, joy, freedom, empowers, health, energy, believe, enthusiasm, harmony, thanks, positive, get to, smile!
Use words that are empowering, life-enhancing, good feeling, inspiring, motivating, and based on love. Think of words as a weapon and use them wisely and only after giving much thought to the consequences. You may choose to think of words as a gift. What gift are you giving and receiving?
Think about what you are planting in the fertile mind of those to whom you speak – including yourself. Once you treat words like the priceless treasure they are, you will experience a new understanding of life. Make it a practice to speak words of health, happiness and prosperity to everyone your interact with each day!
Read more at Donna’s blog http://renovateyourlifestyle.com/
