As humans, we have become so far disconnected from our spiritual being, that we create this false dream world, and let that world judge whether what we are doing is right, or wrong, etc.  But in essence, in the reality of the universe, we are NOT part of this world.  We merely live in it.  So this book, “The Four Agreements” is kind of a how-to guide to escaping the false reality we live in (full of doubt, pain, anxiety, low-self esteem) and realizing our real being.  Which of course, is light or love.

I guess the Toltecs were mostly based in Southern Mexico, but came together to study, and become masters, at a place called Teotihuacan; it is an ancient city of pyramids outside of Mexico City (central Mexico) known as a place where “man/woman becomes God”.  But of course, like all good things, the wisdom and devotion and practice of the Toltecs couldn’t last.  In come the Spaniards…I don’t think I need to explain what happens next.  

But back to the book – the reason it talks of “agreements” is because all we know are actually agreements that we’ve succumbed to in the world (ie I agree you must have X amount of dollars, or I agree that a job is important, or I agree that I’m not good enough etc etc.).  So here the author proposes 4 basic agreements, that we can agree to as adults (and not as kids – where all of our agreements that we believe stem from).  So here is the first one:

1.  Be impecable with your word.  ”Speak with integrity, say what you mean.  Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip.  Use the word in the direction of truth and live.”

It may not seem like a mind-blowing agreement, but the ‘word’ include speaking to yourself, or thinking about others…And guess what, if I look at a person every day and think “they are beautiful, they are worthy” well guess what?  They are!  Even so-called western medicine has finally validated self affirmation.  An impeccable word is interesting too, because in the very beginning of the Bible it says God spoke, and “the WORD was God”.  So wow.  (but of course the Toltecs knew nothing of Christianity at the time they made this first agreement….)

So my goal this week: work on the word, on thinking loving thoughts, of saying loving things to myself most importantly, and realizing that I AM good – and so are others.  Obviously it’s a bit of a challenge, to say the least, to work on “speaking” impeccably when I can speak .05% of the Spanish language!!  But alas…we’ll see how it goes…

While I adore the ritual and devotion of Catholic faith here, there is much that I do not agree with.  Por ejemplo, abortion is illegal in every state in Mexico except for the F.D. (Federal District of Mexico City – has a status like Washington D.C.). 

So a ‘friend of a friend’ in Guanajuato was raped, and of course decided to have an abortion…but was that bueno?!  NO!  She was sent to prison because of it.  

 Love the Catholic faith, and it’s moral values and emphasis on spirituality and living a virtuous life, but I also odio (hate) the hypocrisy.  MUCHO.  How can a religion not love women that are in need….when this religion’s icon is a frickin’ woman?! 

Where is God in this?!  

Wow.  My first emotional out pour via blog – that was great.

So of course after noticing a few people paying homage to the church while walking in front of it, I tried to stereotype who I thought would give the sign of the cross.  But, yes, I was wrong.  From older mujers to young ninos, many people would just casually cross themselves while walking past the church.  While I know that Mexico is 88% Catholic (yet like 18% believe in a real spiritual life) the custom is definitely alive and well.

And why shouldn’t it be?  It was so beautiful to see that people take one single second out of their day to recognize a power greater than themselves – even if doing it with out paying attention (ie one woman was in midst of conversation – crossed herself  - then kept on like nothing had happened). 

I mean if I could just stop a few times a day and recognize God / Light / Divine Mother how great would that be?!  My only time with her seems to be in my early morning walks, before I get stressed with school, and thinking about bar applications, and other things that don’t really matter much in the long run….

But those morning walks…awww…I have a favorite house that I pass by that grows jasmine flowers that smell amazing, and I have a few street dogs that I’ve come to befriend that follow me for a bit (trying not to take them home with me) and of course the older women that I say “buenos dias senora” too every morning.  Their smiles in response are literally the face of god.  Ok it sounds over the top, but it’s true.  Perhaps I’m just starved for warmth and love?!  Ha ha.

I’m hoping to be able to put into writing what I see on a daily basis that reinforces (or contradicts, who knows) that Light is in everything / everyone.  I’m going to also do research online re: the indigenous people in this area, and see what I can find on their spiritual practice.  And finally, hopefully just by interacting with my family here, and locals that I meet, I can find out a bit more about spirituality in their modern lives.

Or maybe I’ll just use the blog to ramble on about how much I love Mexican food and how great the weather is….