Welcome back to our book club. This week we start Chapter 2, the First Agreement: Be Impeccable with Your Word. That's pages 25 to 46 in most paperback copies of the book. I'd love for you to read the chapter first and then watch the video below. That way you can notice what stands out to you on your own, and then we can reflect on it together. I noticed how often I said yes when I really wanted to say no. I wasn't trying to be untrue — I just didn't pause long enough to check what I actually meant. This week I'm practicing something simpler: pausing first, and saying only what I mean, in the direction of truth and love. Have you noticed yourself saying yes when you wanted to say no?

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 The Mother is the part of us that creates and cares for what we love. You don't have to have children to know her — she shows up whenever you tend to something and help it grow. She's the steady one. The one who makes a home, holds a family or a friendship together, or brings an idea to life and stays with it until it stands on its own. In stories, she's often seen as Demeter (Greek), or Gaia (Greek) — the one who nourishes and gives life. 𝗔 𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗣𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘: Notice one thing you are caring for right now — a person, a plant, a project, yourself — and give it a little unhurried attention today. What are you tending right now?

Welcome to The Sacred Circle. I’m glad you’re here. This is an invitation to pause, remember who we are, and reconnect with the sacred within ourselves while honoring and recognizing the sacredness of others. Life can pull our attention outward until we’re simply getting through each day. Here, we make space to explore our inner wisdom and develop habits that bring greater balance into how we live, care for ourselves, and meet others. I’m Paula Shreve, founder of The Sacred Center. I created this Circle to share practices that have deepened my spiritual life and to build a community where we can grow together. We’ll explore: • Max Meditation System™—a structured, guided practice using relaxation, focused attention, silent meditation, and visualization. • 9D Breathwork®—intentional breathing combined with guided voice, music, and immersive sound through headphones. Journeys vary in intensity and include preparation and time for reflection. I guide these sessions as a facilitator-in-training. • Spiritual reading, journaling, and discussion—opportunities to connect what we learn with our choices, relationships, and everyday habits. Our first theme is Sacred Balance: Love, Worth & Boundaries. Our first book is The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz, explored over approximately eight weeks. To begin: 1. Introduce yourself in the comments. 2. Check the calendar for our gatherings. 3. Obtain your book and visit the reading plan. 4. Read “Meet Paula & My Spiritual Path” if you’d like to know more about me. 5. What drew you here, and what would you like to cultivate in your life? With warmth, Paula