Ever heard of Alan Cohen before? Thom and I have had the benefit of seeing him speak in person, and to read a number of his books. His practical, insightful and often humorous perspectives continue to bring me back to some fundamental ideas that influence my life in many ways. When I came across this one today, I am reminded that even in a changing world, we have the choice about which agreements we follow—and those we discard. We alone decide who to believe and who not to believe. And yes, I can’t help but believe that those agreements shape my reality. Staying awake and aware to that concept is a practical and SMART way to live. At least I think so. What about you?
A wise insight, that points to people’s desire to belong and be liked, and so in the rush to affiliate, people neglect to consider the implications of their behaviour or the values they represent. As you often point out Kathy, it is always a good idea to go back to our core values and to evidential support before committing to a belief or taking sides.
Jude
Although I don’t think I’ve ever seen the word “agreement” used in quite that way, I really like how it points out that we all have the choice about what we embrace as our guiding principles. Making personal changes as we evolve and learn shows strength, not weakness.
Hi Janis! Yes I too thought it was a unique way of saying it as well…and it made me think about it a new and fresher way. And I LIKE what you said, “Making personal changes as we evolve and learn shows strength, not weakness.” Thanks for your thoughts. ~Kathy
They certainly shape our interpretation of the world — and therefore shape how we act in it and what world we create. It’s sad when our broad social agreements include hateful and hurtful things (like “the color of your skin or the type of your reproductive organs determine how much capacity for intelligence/competence/goodness/etc. we see you as having”). And it’s hard work to change them!
Hi Nancy! I agree that it isn’t always easy to change our perspectives. But could you say that the first step is just becoming aware that we have certain ones and then being willing to question how the effect us and others? I can’t help but believe so many of us are just sleep walking through life doing what’s expected of us or just trying to entertain ourselves while the days pass. Hopefully there is a shift happening where we become more and more aware of our “agreements” and how they play out. Only then can things change, hopefully for the better. ~Kathy
Hi, Kathy – This is such a great quote. So often we agree out of convenience, or worse — out of apathy. It’s so true that our belief systems make us or break all of us.
You will be greatly missed today.
Hi Donna! Good point! If we only agree to make things easier for ourselves, or because we don’t care enough to change things, then that is sad indeed. Hopefully the more of us who become aware of our choices and how they play out in our lives, the better…And YES! I missed you today too! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy – our belief systems definitely make or break us. I think our world view hinges on our foundational beliefs and we gravitate to those who share (agree) with them. It’s a shame that there isn’t more accord (agreement) in our world atm – but there’s always hope.
Hi Leanne! I suppose on one level the world wouldn’t be nearly as interesting if we all believed exactly the same things. But surely if the focus was on kindness, peace and happiness for all, then there would still be plenty of diversity to keep things lively? As always, hope carries us forward. ~Kathy
Great reminder, Kathy! Such a simple concept about who or what we align ourselves with–and why. But it speaks to who we are or strive to be, versus blindly following whatever or whomever.
Hi Roxanne! Yeah, I thought this quote summed up so many different experiences we are going through right now both on a personal AND a global level. Of course, those who “get it” already understand that. And those that don’t….well what can one say? ~Kathy