The Four Agreements  

 

I'm not so much into self-help books.  Not that I don't need help, I certainly could use some coaching in almost every area I can think of.   Remember I'm OK, You're OK.  From 1967, the smash hit author, Thomas A. Harris "posited that the average person is damaged early in childhood and walks around thereafter in a paranoid, self-pitying state Harris called "I'm not OK, you're OK." (Harris's other three basic states of relational being were "I'm not OK, you're not OK"; "I'm OK, you're not OK"; and-hallelujah- "I'm OK, you're OK.")". 

 

While doing my yoga teacher training, one of my dear maties suggested Miguel Ruiz's book, The Four Agreements.  Fortunately for me, it was short with big type.   Maybe the time was right or the message was clear or whatever.  It stuck.  The agreements made so much damn sense and seemed to be applicable to everything.  And, best of all, my husband read it too.  This is key, because it smoothed out lots of our "potential" irritations with each other that we could relate to one of the "agreements". In relationships, No. 2 and No. 3 pop up often.  Well, No. 1, too.  

  

Here's a summary (2) and I hope you'll borrow a copy from a friend or find a used one. 

 

1. Be Impeccable with your Word  Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the Word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your Word in the direction of truth and love.

 

Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

 

Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

 

Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

 

I could comment on each of these, but really, they're very simple.  And, there are only four and that's less than the 10 Commandments and the 7 Habits of Successful People and even with the Four Noble Truths.  

  

I bet that I can't go an hour without running into one of these Agreements, unless I'm sitting alone writing my newsletter.  But, then I have to remember Always Do My Best, rather than just "Do Good Enough" which is often my default.    I'm working on it and the other three.  Hope you do also. 

 

(1) http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/Sham/

(2) Copied and pasted from http://www.toltecspirit.com/.  I couldn't find my book.  It's buried in some unpacked box.

 

 

   

  

I just got my ticket to the October 27th Harvest Yoga Festival in Pt. Reyes.  You'll find James Higgins and kirtan-superstar, Jai Uttal, plus others.  It's all day and only $70.  More info here.  Hope to see you there.    

 

The Yoga in Graton program is growing faster than the price of Lululemon yoga pants.  We now have seven weekly classes, 2 Graton locations, 4-glorious teachers and lotta amazing students.  Find us at www.YogaInGraton.com.  

 

Mark your calendars with the West County Craft Fair on November 3.  Started many moons ago by Ashtangi Star, Ann Austin, it's become a local must-attend.  It'll be at the Sebastopol Grange again this year.  

 

Find Ashtanga-lover, Richard Koman, teaching on Sunday's at Yoga Studio Ganesha at 11-12:30. Come learn or practice the Primary Series coupled with a short discussion of the Sutras. 

  

Put this on your calendar now, so you don't forget.  The much-loved Mirka Kraftsow is joining with psychiatrist Marilyn Granger in a workshop entitled Yoga and Neuroplasticity.  It's October 27 at Westside Yoga Studio.    

 

 

JUST ANNOUNCED - Advanced Studies - Teacher Training Program

 

If you've ever considered taking a Yoga Teacher Training program, the stars have just aligned for you. Post Wellness by Design in Petaluma with the expert guidance of local legend, Tony Briggs, is holding a teacher training beginning in January 2013.     

Do you wonder about the differences between teacher training programs?  Good, you should.  They are not all created equal.  This program has teachers who I would (and do) seek out to train with "individually".  So, a training that includes all of them is stellar. These are senior, seasoned, respected, local and international teachers.  Who?  Tony Briggs, Anne O'Brien, Richard Rosen, Ann Dyer, Ulrika Engman and more!  And, I have the great opportunity to be included with this impressive group.  I have been asked to present the Restorative Yoga module.  

Maybe you don't want to teach, but want to extend your knowledge of the practice and learn more about the philosophy, anatomy and grounding in the principles of yoga.  This is the perfect opportunity.  

 

I know, life if busy and funds are short.  They've made it easy and affordable. Classes will be on Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons for 4 months.  Want more info?  Of course you do.  Go to Tony Briggs's site at www.tonybriggsyoga.com. You can ask me any questions at cheryl@cherylthomas.com.   

Yes, go and ahead and try.  I couldn't. It's Krisha Das's grandson on his lap and the apple doesn't fall far. Classic!    

 

 

It's fun to get friends together.  Treat your friends to Yoga and Tea rather than Food and Booze.  Inviting friends to come together for a Gentle or Restorative Yoga class is a perfect way to enjoy each other's company and do something good for yourselves.  Many yoga parties end with tea or champagne and some munchies.  Your friends will thank you!

 

Please call on me if I can help you book a private yoga class or answer any questions.  I can be reached at cheryl@cherylthomas.com.