Latest news with #TheFourAgreements
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
7 spiritual self-help books every adult should read
At some point, every adult we know hits that weird stage where life feels… flat. You've got the job, the house, maybe even the family setup, but something inside nags: Is this it? That's usually when people start poking around the 'spiritual' shelf at a bookstore (or, let's be honest, scrolling Amazon reviews at midnight). Now, spiritual books can be a mixed bag. Some are dense, some sound preachy, and a few feel like they're written in another language altogether. But the right ones? They don't give you cheesy answers; they shift how you look at yourself, your relationships, and the world. Here are seven that have done that for countless readers. And no, you don't have to read them in order. Pick one that calls to you and see what happens. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle This book has almost cult status, and for good reason. Tolle's whole idea is simple: Most of our stress comes from living in the past or the future. Peace only happens when you're actually present. It's one of those books you can read in small chunks. Honestly, some parts are so dense you'll reread a line three times before it clicks. But when it does? It's like flipping on a light switch in your head. The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer Ever notice how your mind just… won't shut up? Singer calls that endless chatter your 'inner roommate.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo His point is that you're not the voice, you're the awareness listening to it. The first time we read it, we all must have laughed. But then would have realized how often things are happening around us. This book shows you how to step back, breathe, and stop letting every random thought dictate your mood. The Seven Spiritual Laws Of Success by Deepak Chopra Ignore the title if you think this is a get-rich-quick book. Chopra's version of 'success' is more about living with flow, purpose, and connection than it is about bank accounts. Each 'law' is explained in a way that feels practical. They're short, almost like mini-meditations. We know people who keep it on their nightstand and just open to a random chapter when life feels off. Man's search for meaning by Viktor Frankl Not technically a 'self-help' book, but honestly, it might be the most powerful one here. Frankl survived concentration camps and still managed to write about the human ability to find meaning in suffering. His message: Happiness is fleeting, but purpose can carry you through anything. It's not always an easy read, but it's one of those books that stays with you forever. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz This is one of those slim little books that looks harmless but packs a punch. Ruiz lays out four agreements: Be impeccable with your word. Don't take things personally. Don't make assumptions. Always do your best. Sounds simple, right? Try living it for a week and you'll see how hard (and transformative) it really is. Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda If you're curious about meditation or yoga's deeper roots, this book is a doorway. It's part memoir, part spiritual adventure. Some stories feel mystical, even unbelievable at times, but that's also the beauty of it. This book inspired a whole generation of Western seekers to take meditation seriously. It's longer than the others, but if you're in the mood for something immersive, it's worth it. A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle Yes, Tolle again. Where The Power of Now focuses on the present moment, A New Earth zooms out to show how personal awakening could shift the whole world. He talks about the ego how it controls us and keeps us stuck. If you've ever wondered why society feels so competitive or why conflict seems endless, this book gives a framework for seeing it differently. So, why these books? Here's the thing: None of these books promise to 'fix' your life in a weekend. They're not step-by-step guides. What they do is plant seeds. Maybe you start noticing your thoughts instead of drowning in them. Maybe you pause before reacting to something small. Maybe you realize that success isn't just paychecks and promotions. That's how these books work slowly, quietly, but permanently. And one more thing: don't rush. You don't need to devour all seven. Pick one, sit with it, scribble in the margins, and underline passages that hit you. Let it be messy. Because at the end of the day, spirituality isn't about being perfect. It's about waking up to who you are, one little 'a-ha' moment at a time.
Los Angeles Times
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
A Tahitian Wedding Tale Written On The Waves
M.C. Huff saw a picture Gregory Michael posted of himself on Reddit and had to respond to him. In the photo, he was reading The Four Agreements, her favorite book. After she reached out, the two followed each other on Instagram, but that was about it. Then one day, M.C., who is a writer, actress and director, posted she was moving out to California. 'I was driving out for the premiere of a film I'd worked on and planned to stay in L.A. to continue working as an actress,' she said. Michael asked her out to dinner the very night she arrived. One hitch: it was Valentine's Day, and she wasn't going on a date on Valentine's Day with a guy she just met. They settled on the next night, February 15. 'From that moment on, we've been inseparable,' Huff said. 'I knew I fell in love with M.C. not long after we met,' said Michel, who's been a TV actor for more than 20 years and heavily involved in The Groundlings, L.A.'s improv and sketch comedy troupe. 'You know how home has that special cozy vibe? There are so many places that bring you joy, but home is where your heart truly sings. I realized she feels just like that to me. Every time I'm with M.C., no matter where in the world we are, I am home. It's like I get to come home all over again when I hold her, and it fills my heart with the sweetest warmth.' Huff said the pair have always been so in sync—finishing each other's sentences and almost reading each other's minds. 'So it wasn't a surprise when we both said, practically at the same time, that we wanted to get married,' she said. During the actors' strike, they were living in Tahiti for a few months. While swimming one day, they suddenly came face to face with a gigantic humpback whale. When they came up for air, they locked eyes, knowing they'd shared one of the most magical, spiritual moments of their lives. 'Almost at the same time, we both said, 'We need to get married here,'' Huff said. 'And honestly, we wanted to be barefoot all day—no shoes, no formality, just the earth and the water beneath us. An island wedding was a no-brainer.' There was another reason to choose the island locale as well. 'Tahiti is welcoming and inclusive,' said Huff. 'As strong allies, it meant a lot to us to celebrate in a place that embraces the LGBTQ+ community, especially with so many of our friends and family from the community there with us. We wanted everyone to feel safe, seen, and celebrated—and Tahiti gave us that.' The couple designed their intricately hand-crafted wedding invitations. Each came in a custom stained wooden box, branded with a custom image of a humpback whale and initials of the bride and groom on the exterior. Inside, guests found a Tahitian mother-of-pearl shell, engraved, and painted with a special QR code that directed them to the wedding website. Tahiti is an eight-hour flight from Los Angeles, and the couple wed there on August 7, 2024. Seventy-five of their friends and family saw Michael arrive on a jet-ski, dressed in a sleek black linen Andy Fine of Sartoro tuxedo. As he changed into his ceremony suit by the same designer, Polynesian dancers performed for the guests. A conch shell signaled Huff's arrival. She glided in on a traditional outrigger canoe wrapped in hanging heliconia flowers. Huff and Michael exchanged vows in a traditional Polynesian ceremony, featuring sacred Auti leaf handfasting, a symbolic wrapping in a tifaifai quilt and the bestowal of their new Tahitian name, Moanahau—meaning Ocean Peace. 'The ceremony was one of the most meaningful parts of the whole experience,' said Huff. 'We were wrapped in a tifaifai, a quilt that symbolizes love and unity. It was beautiful and spiritual, and felt completely aligned with who we are.' In lieu of rings, Huff and Michael received traditional Tahitian tattoos by renowned Lolo Tattoo to symbolize their union in advance of their ceremony. Five wedding guests received their own Tahitian tattoos as part of the celebration. Guests dined on lobster, ahi tuna tartare and chicken with tables set directly in the water. 'During dinner, sharks and stingrays swam around us the entire time,' said Huff. The wedding took place at the Niu Beach Hotel. Huff and Michael bought out the space, transforming it into a private wedding retreat. Guests came to the private island of Motu Tiahura by boat. Upon arrival, each guest received a custom welcome bag embroidered with their name courtesy of sponsors Vacation sunscreen, The Plug Drink, LulleVibes beach towels, Personalised Vacation bags, and Hanalei Company beauty. Throughout the week-long affair, there were special events, like traditional flower crown making, along with plenty of time to enjoy the stunning surroundings and a chance to swim face-to-face with humpback whales, in an experience similar to the one that so captivated the couple. Capping off the magical experience, just days after the ceremony, Huff and Michael went skydiving over the very island where they exchanged their vows. If was a fitting finale to a once-in-a-lifetime trip, cementing a future that feels like home.
Time of India
31-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
How to train your brain to not take things personally
We've all been there when someone makes a comment, criticises our work, or doesn't reply to a message, and suddenly we're spiraling into self-doubt. Taking things personally is a natural response, especially when we feel vulnerable or insecure. But if left unchecked, this habit can impact our mental well-being, our relationships, and even our career growth. Today, communication is often rushed, and feedback can be blunt or misinterpreted; learning how not to take things personally is a necessary emotional skill. The ability to detach from perceived remarks or criticisms doesn't mean you become indifferent, it means you become more grounded and resilient. As bestselling author Don Miguel Ruiz writes in his book The Four Agreements, 'Don't take anything personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality.' His advice is a reminder that much of what we perceive as personal often isn't. It's about them, not you. Here are some practical ways to develop this essential skill Recognize that everyone has their own reality One of the biggest reasons we take things personally is assuming that others see the world the same way we do. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like After Losing Weight Kevin James Looks Like A Model 33 Bridges Undo In reality, the personalities of people are driven by their own experiences, beliefs, and emotional baggage. As Don Miguel Ruiz says, 'What others say and do is a projection of their own reality.' If someone lashes out or dismisses you, it likely has more to do with their inner world than with you. Pause before you react Our initial reaction to criticism or conflict is often emotional. Taking a moment to pause can help to shift from reaction to reflection. Asking oneself that is it really about me, or is this person just having a bad day? By delaying your response, one gives their rational brain time to catch up with their emotions. This small habit can make a huge difference in how you process interactions. Building self-awareness and realising your worth When we have low self-esteem, we're more likely to personalise every negative incident upon us. Strengthening self-worth creates a buffer against other people's opinions. Journaling, therapy, or even practicing positive affirmations can help to inculcate the belief that your value doesn't depend on how others treat you. Don't assume their intentions Sometimes we create an entire narrative based on a single comment, message, or glance. Instead of filling in the blanks with worst-case assumptions, seek clarity. If something bothers you, consider asking for clarification in a respectful way. Often, misunderstandings come up not from hatred, but also from poor communication. Letting go of the need for approval Not everyone will like you or agree with you, and that's okay. Trying to gain universal approval is not only impossible but exhausting. True confidence comes from making your actions also speak along with your values, not from chasing external validation. Letting go of the need to be understood or accepted by everyone is necessary for a positive mindset and growth. Health habits to lock down in your 20s One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
25-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
How to build emotional strength and stop taking things so personally
The world is interestingly connected through technology and social connections, and opinions flow quite freely and unfiltered through social media, workplaces, and daily conversations, so it becomes effortless to take things personally. May it be a colleague's passing comment, a stranger's harsh tone, or a friend's silence, any of these could feel like a direct attack. This emotional habit of interpreting neutral or negative experiences as personal can take a toll on our mental health, confidence, and relationships. But in reality, most of what people say or do has nothing to do with us. According to Don Miguel Ruiz, author of The Four Agreements, 'Whatever happens around you, don't take it personally. Nothing other people do is because of you. It is because of themselves.' That wisdom, although simple in words, carries a powerful message that challenges us to look inward before reacting outward. Learning not to take things personally is not about ignoring people's feedback or becoming emotionally numb. It's about understanding that our value isn't determined by someone else's mood, words, or projections. To sail through and tackle situations like these, one must keep the following things in mind. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo It's usually not about you Most people act from their own fears, beliefs, past experiences, or stress. When someone lashes out or behaves rudely, it's often a picture of their internal struggle, not your worth. Don Miguel Ruiz emphasizes, 'When you take things personally, then you feel offended, and your reaction is to defend your beliefs and create conflicts.' By identifying this, you can mentally separate your identity from someone else's behaviour and choose not to let it stay on your mind for long. Be carefully self-aware and have confidence in yourself When you have a strong sense of self-worth, external opinions carry less weight. You don't need constant validation when you're secure in your own values, goals, and identity. Building self-confidence takes time, but begins with identifying your strengths and accepting your flaws without shame. Ask yourself, 'Why does this bother me?' Often, our emotional triggers are reasoned in our own insecurities, not someone else's words. Take a pause before reacting T aking a moment to breathe before responding gives you power. That brief pause helps prevent emotionally charged reactions and allows you to analyse the situation practically. Is the comment really about you? Was the tone truly meant or just blunt? Practicing some meditation or quick breathing can help you create this mental space. As Viktor Frankl famously said, 'Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response.' Do not have self doubt Not taking things personally doesn't mean tolerating bad behavior. If someone repeatedly disrespects you, it's okay to address it calmly or remove yourself from the situation. Healthy boundaries are about protecting your peace without blaming yourself or others. You can say, 'I'm not okay with that tone,' without spiraling into self-doubt. Practice detachment but compassionately Letting go of the need to be liked or understood by everyone is liberating and less heavy. This doesn't mean becoming indifferent or cold. Instead, aim for compassionate detachment, which means acknowledging others' pain or frustration without letting it shout down your self-image. It is important to always remind yourself that their opinion is not my reality. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
