Given the sheer unbelievable developments taking place in the world, I remembered a story Wayne Dyer told in his book The Power of Intention. I am sharing the story for the fourth time today, even though again in a different context. Sadly, the message is still timely, since selfishness, a hunger for might and money, intrigue, lies, the deliberate spread of fear, manipulation of information, lawlessness, and the acceptance of injustice are rolling over this world like an avalanche. But it is not only the governments and leaders in this world. It starts with people like you and me – when we’re driving, shopping, or just when we encounter others on the street. It seems like too many negative and aggressive thoughts cross our minds, making us think we’re better than those around us – and I’m not excluding myself from that. Let’s remember Rule No. 6 and make a small but important and conscious change in our attitude.

Two prime ministers are sitting in a room discussing affairs of state. Suddenly, a man bursts in, apoplectic with fury, shouting and stamping and banging his fist on the desk. The resident prime minister admonishes him: “Peter,” he says, “kindly remember Rule Number 6”, whereupon Peter is instantly restored to complete calm, apologizes, and withdraws. The politicians return to their conversation, only to be interrupted yet again twenty minutes later by a hysterical woman gesticulating wildly, her hair flying. “mair, please remember Rule Number 6.” complete calm descends once more, and she too withdraws with a bow and an apology. When the scene is repeated for a third time, the visiting prime minister addresses his colleague: “My dear friend, I’ve seen many things in my life, but never anything as remarkable as this. Would you be willing to share with me the secret of Rule Number 6?” “Very simple,” reölies the resident prime minister. “Rule Number 6 is ‘Don’t take yourself so goddamn seriously.'” “Ah,” says his visitor, “that is a fine rule.” After a moment of pondering, he inquires, “And what, may I ask, are the other rules?” “There aren’t any.”

One selfish ego-driven act can bring devastation to a life, a family, a region, a country, and the whole world. But there will be no winner when the ego’s hands hold the steering wheel. It destroys everything, and itself through its actions in the end. We are only human, and most of us are far away from enlightenment. But the recent happenings made us realize the devastating power. We cannot force others to understand it when they are not willing to change their mindset. Yet, as most of the world has shown, there is more love, more compassion, more of a sense of peace, humanity, and freedom in this world—and all of this comes together in an instant, enveloping the suffering regions and people in a great embrace. This leads me to believe that it takes such terrible acts as a wake-up call to unite the world. But most of all, it proves that love has always been there and is the defining force that no man-made weapon can silence.

Not taking yourself so seriously keeps you focusing on what really matters and keeps you from distraction. Also, it keeps you respectful and tolerant. But most of all, it prevents you from unnecessary stress. Homemade stress! Stress is the ego’s desire to be better, faster, and smarter. It goes along with anxiety and pressure. What’s the use? It is the ego’s desire, not yours! Not taking yourself so seriously is the main ingredient for compassion. You can be compassionate even though you don’t agree with other people’s opinions or attitudes. Again, however others act, speak, or treat me is their path, but how I react is mine. My reaction is my responsibility. We all have the same right to live the way we want. So, don’t fulfill the ego’s desire and enjoy the peace within you by following Rule #6.

Let’s recall Rule #6 and make it part of our daily lives
so that we can remove the fundamentals of life
from hatred, greed, hunger for power, and destruction.
For humanity
For one world
For love
For life

In Love and Light