Rules I live by.

I have found peace of mind through the practice of mindfulness.   

I believe in karma. 

I believe whatever energy you send out, good or bad, you get back. 
This translates down to the simple fact that if you treat someone or something poorly you will get that same energy back in some way shape or form.

This is one thing that helps me be conscientious of my actions. 
This also helps me cope when I am treated poorly.

Over the years I have learned that how other people treat you has nothing to do with you and everything to do with what they see in the mirror. 
The fact of the matter is, there are always going to be people who do not like you.
 People are self conscious and when they don't like you or treat you poorly it stems from their own personal insecurities.

Here in lies the cure....If we could all treat one another the way we wished to be treated ourselves life would be much better and easier for everyone.

So through my yoga (to help me de-stress and relax) and mindfulness (to help me think clearly and fairly) I have been able to deal with so many outrageous people.

 Throughout the years I have studied a lot of things. I have trained and I have learned.  One thing that has always resonated with me is western philosophy. I have always been touched deeply by Taoism. Because of that I have 10 precepts that guide me. I choose the word guide on purpose. You could read the following ten rules and translate it differently than I do. We all have a different point of view. But in reading the following, the underlying message never changes and that is kindness. 

10 Taoist Rules I live by:

1. Do not kill but always be mindful of the host of living beings.
2. Do not be lascivious or think depraved thoughts.
3. Do not steal or receive unrighteous wealth.
4. Do not cheat or misrepresent good and evil.
5. Do not get intoxicated but always think of pure conduct.
6. I will maintain harmony with my ancestors and family and never disregard my kin.
7. When I see someone do a good deed, I will support him with joy and delight.
8. When I see someone unfortunate, I will support him with dignity to recover good fortune.
9. When someone comes to do me harm, I will not harbor thoughts of revenge.
10. As long as all beings have not attained the Tao, I will not expect to do so myself.

I believe in energy. I believe in treating people right. And I believe in trying to be the best person I can be. I believe in encouraging others because why discourage? What do you get out of discouragement? 

I believe in thinking positive thoughts, negative thoughts only attract negativity. Like attracts like. 

And the biggest thing I believe in is forgiveness. The only person you are hurting by not forgiving is yourself. Forgiving doesn't mean you forget, it means you let go. 

I was raised a Catholic in the US. I came across these beliefs on my own. This does not make me a Taoist, this does not not make me a Catholic. This makes me a believer. A believer in kindness.