Disrespect the Comfort Zone
“Ninety-five percent of the beliefs we have stored in our minds are nothing but lies, and we suffer because we believe all these lies.” Miguel Ruiz from The Four Agreements
On Tuesday I had a really fun interaction on the metro . A man approached me and asked me how he could best get to a certain chapel. After I said that I had no clue we started talking. Turns out he was a seventh year medical student working in the emergency room. The reason why this interaction stood out to me was because I realised how easy it is to speak to someone. The man literally asked one question and managed to get me to talk for 25 minutes. Incredible. That is a skill that I want to learn. Especially because the thought of interacting with a stranger gives me the chills.
The first school day started at 9:30. We received school merchandise and general information about the school. In the afternoon we had our first mathematics lesson during which I had the biggest culture shock : every single time another teacher enters the classroom all students (that are full grown adults) are supposed to stand up.
Having school on a Saturday was also weird, nonetheless I have so far enjoyed my HEI experience. The classes are interesting and the teachers know what they are doing. The most difficult part of the equation for me right now is my apartment not being fully set up. I seem to be actively using that as an excuse to avoid doing any sort of organising or creating a reasonable routine.
This week's suggestion is The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz. It is a straight forward self-improvement book that was presented to me by my brother. The book is based on Toltec beliefs (the Toltecs were an ancient South American civilisation) and it narrows down a prospering life to four essential points :
- Be impeccable with your word.
- Don’t take anything personally.
- Don't make assumptions.
- Always do your best.
As straight forward these points are, it is not realistic for a human being to be able to apply them at all times, but they are great guidelines to try and follow.
That is all for this week, until next time!
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