Some things are simple, yet they escape me time and again.

Here are some random thoughts running ’round inside my mind this morning.

You have to be ready to receive wisdom, or it just doesn’t take.

If you are not open with the world around you - no one knows where you are at - no one will know what you need. If you are open - you are receptive. It is NOT weak to be receptive. You cannot grow or gain wisdom if you are not open. If you act like you have it all figured out - you will never learn anything new.

I have been in a much more open state of mind in recent months - and have been “asking” for guidance. There is a thought that runs through many different spiritual traditions that the Universe is fundamentally creative in nature. Ask, and detach from the outcome. Be Patient. Be Open.

Because I have been more open - a friend could see my place… the journey I am on, and recommended the works of don Miguel Ruiz… I wrapped up “The Four Agreements” last night, and believe I was ready for its lessons.

It is not a remarkable work for its depth or complexity. In fact, I am not sure I encountered many “new” thoughts or ideas in it at all.

Something else about it helped carry it through my usual filters and barriers. Maybe it was its tone. Maybe it is simply that it was written with Love, and without Judgement.

This morning, I awoke for the first time in many days with a renewed sense of energy and direction. I want to send out Much Gratitude to the friend that pointed me to this work, and to don Miguel Ruiz himself, along with his Mother and Grandfather… and to everyone else involved in the web of activity that helped bring this book to my hands.

The last of The Four Agreements is to always do your best.

After thinking through this for some time - it has helped lift a huge burden from my chest. For months, I have been beating myself up about a number of situations from my past. I guess this is normal in the wake of such devastating loss - I have been “stuck” to the past.

It is heavy. I can’t change it.

What makes matters worse - I learned about a few things in recent months that occurred in my family several years ago. When I first heard about these things - I pushed them out of my mind completely. Well, that never works.

This idea - always do you best - it simply means that if you are honest and really doing you best *under the circumstances*, taking into account all the other factors, then you can always keep moving without Judgement. You can let go of the past, you can let go of your second guessing, your Judgements, and your role as Victim.

As you Let Go, you regain that spiritual / psychological energy that you were putting into that internal drama.

I believe this is why I woke up feeling better today. I know deep down in my bones that I did the best I could. I know I did. I am not perfect. I made mistakes. But I did the absolute best I could.

R e l e a s e.