I believe that employing phenomena in a useful manner—whether it be trauma, good fortune, skills, weaknesses, money, time—is largely dependent on my ability to shift perspective and seriously entertain others’ points of view.
With a flexible perspective, I can assess the merit of a given occurrence with a clear perception, one that isn’t clouded by my own pet peeves and entrenched biases.
“Those who cling to perceptions and views wander the world offending people.” The Buddha
Many thanks! Indeed, I have found that one can arrive at those ancient realizations by following the basics those sages espoused. Ironically, I’ve met a lot of Buddhists who just like to quote stuff but don’t want to do the grungy work of embodying the basics. Things don’t seem to work out so well for them.
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Have you read Don Miguel Ruiz little book The Four Agreements? (There is a fifth agreement, but I think the four are great agreements to make with yourself.) What you just wrote pertains to the First Agreement, “Be impeccable with your word.” Sounds easy, but doing it can be a challenge.
Okay, here are all four agreements:
1. Be impeccable with your word.
2. Don’t take anything personally.
3. Don’t make assumptions.
4. Always do your best.
Kent Wayne 
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