Reflections

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  1. Don Jones

    Outwardly, (I am told), all seems well. Inwardly, it is like walking in wobbly boots – all over the place.

    2 years ago
    1. Mica

      Congrats on ‘outwardly’ – good luck on ‘inwardly’🎊🎊🤞🤞🍀🤗🍀

      2 years ago
  2. sparrow

    Naturally . . .
    the only time I question myself
    is when I am tempted to do something that is outside my principles.

    2 years ago
  3. Avril

    Years ago I learned about the ACT model for values. “Values are your heart’s deepest desire for how you want to behave as a human being”. When we live in accordance with these formally declared values we find that we have more peace harmony and joy. These values are not about how you want others to treat you; they reflect how you want to “show up”. Much like the practice of metta, they are about how you want to treat others, whether you like them or dislike them, and yourself. This is such a helpful way of thinking about what kind of person do I want to be. Then you do reflection to make sure that the activity you engage in regularly brings you towards those values. Among my values are mindfulness, compassion, patience, discipline, care, courage, and love. When I embrace these in how I treat the world, and myself, I feel simultaneously grounded and light.

    2 years ago
  4. KC

    I am with Kevin. One day at a time. Often it is one breath, step, moment at a time …

    2 years ago
  5. dragonfly

    With great difficulty. 🙂 I have to constantly remind myself to pause before I act. That is my biggest hurdle, to not be reactive. Another thing is that my principles evolve. I had different principles at 16 than I have now (although, there seems to be an underlying “principle stream” that is at the bottom of everything). Old habits need to be adapted to new principle variations. I would think that I most likely will never fully live according to my principles, but I might get better at it.

    2 years ago
    1. Avril

      Hopefully we evolve throughout our whole life!

      2 years ago
  6. Rabbit

    Keep them ever before me and don’t get lured away. Regret is a high price to pay.

    2 years ago
  7. Linda

    Be kind. Help others. I live by these principles.

    2 years ago
  8. Maeve

    I have to be re-reminded about my principles: at least the ones that don’t come easily.

    I find that being inspired by people who are living by their principles is often a wake- up call for me to return to who I want to be.

    2 years ago
  9. Pilgrim

    Kindness, respect, listening well.

    2 years ago
  10. Racel W.

    Hmmmmmm my immediate answer is yes. But if i think deeply and answer honestly not all the times. Each day i try to get better at it and not let my tides of emotions or ties to people sway my actions. To live a life of my principles is something i desire and worthy of the sweat equity it requires.

    Boy these questions go deep😁.

    2 years ago
    1. Maeve

      Yes.

      2 years ago
  11. Charlie T

    By keeping it simple. The basic principle being kindness. After that, there are a few things that require regular practicing, like non judgment, being present, and keeping an open heart.

    2 years ago
    1. Mica

      Just like the Dalai Lama, Charlie – his religion is Kindness 🙂

      2 years ago
  12. Barb C

    I just… do. I had to think about what it would feel like if I were living in violation of my principles to find a way into this question. Sure, I make mistakes and make mistakes and for example perhaps I’m less than kind in a moment when one of my principles is to be kind but generally I guess I would say I have the habit of living according to my principles. I’m concerned about what we’re doing to the planet so I bike, walk, take transit, try to reduce my consumption, compost, et cetera. Since individual action isn’t enough to save the planet I also work on systemic and institutional change. That’s just one arena affected by my principles. As I began learning about what it meant to be anti-racist I had to think consciously about my words and actions and where implicit bias still showed up. I am still doing that and still learning but some things are now habit or reflex that once were the product of conscious thought and reminding myself. So I live according to my principles by practicing them over and over until they become habit.

    2 years ago
    1. Maeve

      That’s impressive. So it’s never difficult? Not for me. I find that I get fuzzy and lax about my principles, and need to somehow get back on track, or in the right headspace.

      2 years ago
      1. Barb C

        Well, I didn’t say I live *perfectly* according to my principles! 🙂 And I referred to practicing. But I’m old enough that I’ve had a fair amount of practice and I know what it feels like when I don’t. I don’t want to feel that way.

        2 years ago
  13. Carol

    “Sticks and stones may hurt my bones but names will never hurt me” is a phrase I remember from childhood. It’s a big lie.I was bullied as a child and words can be lethal. I apply Toltec Wisdom to live according to my principles. If I am impeccable with my word then I am living responsibly and mindfully. I’ve shared before that my favorite definition for the word, responsibility is the “ability to respond.” I take responsibility for my thoughts my feelings and my actions. It’s this kind of ownership that helps me live according to my principles. Do no harm to yourself and others.

    2 years ago
    1. Mica

      Yes, Carol – Do no harm to yourself! and of course others 🙂

      2 years ago
  14. Yram

    I need to know what they are before I know if I am following them! My intuition will flare up when I have gone against them.

    2 years ago
    1. Racel W.

      So true!!

      2 years ago
  15. c
    carol

    I only know when I have violated my principles, how they didn’t show up. It is then my task to better understand this new facet of the obstacle to upholding a principle and then, to be mindful. All of which demands increasing or expanding my capacity for mindfulness. Thanks for asking.

    2 years ago
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