The 5th agreement is a deeper dive, more depth, and more around learning to listen to implement the 4 agreements further.

I’m working through “Meditations” in a way that I can educate myself on the lessons Marcus Aurelius wrote to himself. The “jottings” as he mentions weren’t intended for anyone else but himself. He wrote these in Greek, shying away from Latin, which Rome used and really the Roman educated class. Greek was used by philosophers of the time, yet his words and ideas were only meant for him as a way for him to understand and reclaim his sense of self from his time as Emperor. When I read and understood these, I thought of journaling myself and what it means to me. What does putting my thoughts down on paper do in relation to sound body and mind? In a way, it’s meant to find clarity in a situation or moment. Also, to unload ideas or troubles to free myself of them to be able to move forward in my days and weeks. What would happen if my “jottings” were found by my kids, my friends, family and then published? I think and discuss a lot about relationships and connecting in my life. I’ve always shied away from relationships to try to find some peace and comfort away. That didn’t always workout to be a healthy way of dealing with stress or my days. It isolated me and destroyed connections leaving me alone in my mind. Journaling is one way of putting these thoughts down to see. The great quote in Meditations made by Marcus was this “connecting to himself was his project and a challenge to connect for the reader”. Now, back to my own question on: What would happen if my “jottings” were found by my kids, my friends, family and then published? I’m thinking once you put yourself out into the world, whatever you say, do, or write.. it then becomes the worlds. Maybe there would be great lessons that come from it.. maybe some great laughs… Brings up another thought; How do we raise the bar and elevate our society if we hide away our learnings, our experiences from the world?

Keep things as simple as possible. Sighing is breathing. Small 8 second inhales. Strong constant exhales work. Just enough to bring you back to center. Great to interrupt stressful moments

I love that. Change the habits. Change the environments. Change the mindset

Vision boards for planning, goals current and future, celebrating small wins and accomplishments - nothing is trivial!

Kevin that’s a win. Random statements like that can be very meaningful. Use it as the push you need!

There really is something powerful that comes from straight talk discussions and direct communication. It’s challenging because it can be uncomfortable, and very honest observations. It breaks down walls when used effectively and in small doses.