LIVING LA VIDA FEARLESS
SUCCESS STORY OF THE WEEK

September 15, 2008

The Spoken Word

So, I'm out walking the husky puppies at the dog park today instead of taking my old trek down to the trail at the lake. I still get to the lakeshore but it's a different view. There were a multitude of dogs there today and the puppies were cautiously curious.

I have noticed that we, all of us dog walking people at the park, know the names of all the dogs but rarely do we know the names of the humans that belong to said dogs. I have taken it upon myself to introduce myself to all the owners and the dogs: just seems to be the graceful thing to do.

Once in a while I'll start walking and chatting with somebody as we make our rounds around the circuit. It's fun and interesting and I get to meet the neatest people.

Today I met a person whose dog was very gentle and I told him so. We ended up walking around the track together many times as his dog was really good with our puppies so they played together the whole time. I really enjoyed watching the puppies with Emma, this lovely, gentle dog, and speaking with Mark, the human that Emma owned.

After some time I asked Mark what line of work he was in as he had revealed some interesting thoughts and perspectives: I'm always curious about stuff like that. One of the reasons I loved working in the relocation field.

Mark told me he was a priest, a Catholic priest, in fact. Just like that: "Oh, I'm a priest." I couldn't help myself but for one split second I replayed our conversation in my head wondering if I'd said something inappropriate...and then I relaxed knowing I had not. I knew for sure that I had not because I have taken a new perspective with my words. I hold myself with great integrity over what I say. It's part of the Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz. (if you haven't read this yet run out and pick it up)

Based on Toltec wisdom the Four Agreements are just that: Four Agreements you make with yourSELF to honour yourSELF and who you be in the world. The very first one is "Have Integrity With Your Word." The cool thing about this agreement is that, while it may sound hard to do to some people, it's actually easy. You never have to question what you said because you know you always told the truth. You never have to wonder about the story you've told because it's always the same on if it's the truth...

Ever wonder about the words "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?" Think about it for a minute....the WHOLE truth and NOTHING but the truth...that's all we're asking for here NOTHING but the truth..Easy and hard.

I really enjoyed walking and talking with Mark and Emma, his puppy. I'm happy to have shared a lovely conversation with him and I'm grateful to Miguel Ruiz for the Four Agreements....Now, if I could just teach the puppies to behave like little Emma did: she's just like an angel dog!

What about you? Do you struggle with keeping true to your word? Are there times when it feels easier to just say what people want to hear and not honour what your soul is asking for? Living la vida fearless,
Jan
Certified Professional Co-Active Coach
Member International Coaching Federation

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