Triumph

The Roman statesman, Cicero was Rome's greatest orator and its most articulate philosopher. He lived in the century before the birth of Christ. He had a very successful political career and was also an established writer. In one of his most memorable works, Cicero outlined the six mistakes of man.

Mistake #1: The illusion that personal gain is made up of crushing others. Unfortunately many believe  the only way to elevate oneself is to find fault with another. Instead, work on yourself and watch how you grow.

Mistake #2: To worry about things that cannot be changed or corrected. Does it really make sense to worry about things you have no control over? Living in the present moment is all we have so set aside worry and instead focus on the blessings of  NOW.

Mistake #3: Insisting something is impossible because we cannot accomplish it. Pessimism tends to run rampant these days. Just because we can't see the solution doesn't mean there isn't one. Have you ever thought about the ancient sages foreseeing the modern amenities we have today? Hardly, but these amenities obviously were possible, as we are enjoying them right now.

Mistake #4: Refusing to set aside trivial preferences. Why is it that so many of us waste precious time worrying about what others think of us or what we have. Instead, if we use that time in a constructive way just think what we could accomplish.

Mistake #5: Neglecting development and refinement of the mind, and not acquiring the habit of reading and study. For many, the notion of further study or reading is a waste of time. To the contrary, as Cicero warned his fellow Roman citizens that failure to educate oneself will lead to the downfall of the empire. Immersing oneself in literature greatly enriches life especially when you know you are doing it at of choice rather than an assignment.

Mistake #6: Attempting to compel others to believe and live as we do. We see this on a daily basis in the news or in our own neighborhoods of people being victimized by those who are imposing their views of what "we" should be doing and how "we" should be living. The result only leads to tension and resentment. Instead, we need to remind ourselves of what Voltaire once said; "Learn to cultivate your own garden."

Perhaps today is the day we can avoid making at least one of these mistakes. May you find the perfection that lies deep within self.

Namaste,
Mary Jane Kasliner - Feng Shui Master & Yogi
President- Body Space Alignment
www.fengshuiyoganj.com