If people are not familiar with the work of Don Miguel Ruiz, I would suggest at least a familiarization with the Four (or Five!) agreements (see below), perhaps a memorization of the basics.
In particular, the Second Agreement: Don't take anything personally, can change your entire life all by itself. One of two things is almost ALWAYS true - Either what you're taking offense with was not an attack at all, maybe not even aimed at you, OR if it was an attack, the attacking person was suffering from a delusion at the time they did it, and must be excused and forgiven. Taking offense is always a form of reactivity, which always arises out of a misperception of the present moment. Observing and releasing my own reactivity is one of my principle practices in life, and has been an inexhaustible friend and ally.
If Non-Reactivity were a practice widely adopted on this forum, then we could truly take things to a higher level.
In health freedom,
Bruce
The Five Agreements of Don Miguel Ruiz
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.
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally – 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.
3. Don’t Make Assumptions – 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.
4. Always Do Your Best – Your best is going to change from moment to moment. It will be different when you are healthy as opposed to when you are sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.
5. Be Skeptical, But Learn to Listen – Don’t believe yourself or anybody else. Use the power of doubt to question everything you hear: Is it really the truth? Listen to the intent behind the words, and you will understand the real message.