My Four Commandments

céline Says:

December 31st, 2008, 5:31 am

“Be present” is the most essential, but also the toughest.

Rhonda Says:

December 31st, 2008, 5:37 am

I’d like this to brainstorm and give my definitive list, but then I might be stuck in analysis paralysis…so here is my list for this moment:

1) Be patient
2) Be kind and thoughtful
3) Be accountable
4) Be thankful

Kaleb Smith Says:

December 31st, 2008, 5:53 am

1. Be What You See
2. Do Not Become Attached To What You See
3. See Through What You See
4. Do More

Casey H. Jones Says:

December 31st, 2008, 5:55 am

Be open to learning, Be in a positive way, Be a good listener, Be real with yourself & others.

Michael Kieweg Says:

December 31st, 2008, 6:09 am

Be yourself
Be reliable
Be Proud
Be strong

Miguel de Luis Says:

December 31st, 2008, 6:09 am

Mathew 5:3-12 and James 1:27

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

————————–

27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

kathy Says:

December 31st, 2008, 6:39 am

Mine are pretty simple too, but hold a lot of meaning and guide my journey.

1. Be me.
2. Be present.
3. Do right.

Lee Ann / Living Introverted Says:

December 31st, 2008, 7:03 am

Practice gratefulness each day
Make no assumptions
Be here now
Do the right thing
Be the change I wish to see
Be patient with myself

Happy new year to everyone, and thanks Leo for your awesome blog!

Tabitha (From Single to Married) Says:

December 31st, 2008, 7:06 am

That is a tough question, here goes:

1) Be faithful
2) Be kind
3) Be honest
4) Be respectful of others
5) Be true to myself

Jarrod - Warrior Development Says:

December 31st, 2008, 7:12 am

Be me: Which breaks down into:

1) Love myself
2) Love everyone else
3) Make a better me
4) Help everyone better themselves
5) Be aware

CrystalsQuest Says:

December 31st, 2008, 7:48 am

1. Stay True
2. Remember “reality” (hint: this isn’t it)
3. Go for it!
4. Breathe Love

Staci J. Shelton Says:

December 31st, 2008, 8:08 am

1. Be Authentic
2. Follow Your Passion
3. Give and Receive Graciously and Freely

http://www.http://twitter.com/stacijshelton

Kelly Says:

December 31st, 2008, 9:17 am

Be true to yourself
Be present
Go slow
Be healthy
Give passionately

Amy-Lynn Says:

December 31st, 2008, 9:37 am

I only have two but they work:
1. TRUST that God loves you and has a bigger and better plan for you than any you could possibly imagine for yourself.
2. LOVE people, especially the ones around you. If you think you can’t, PRAY to the Holy Spirit to love them through you until you can love them on your own again.

Slawomir Fryska Says:

December 31st, 2008, 9:46 am

1. Do not judge others
2. Desire less for myself
3. Act with compassion
4. Be curious about everything

Everything else flows from those four.

Lorenzo Armas S. Says:

December 31st, 2008, 9:47 am

Felicito la calidad del blog
Mis mandamientos son:
* Perdón y perdonar
*Agradecer
*Mejorar en cada momento de tu vida
*Ver el lado positivo de la vida.
Un saludo y felicidades para el 2009 desde Huamachuco-Perú.

j Says:

December 31st, 2008, 9:50 am

- Just do it
- Be present
- Think less and do what feels right

Corey - Simple Marriage Project Says:

December 31st, 2008, 9:55 am

-Slow down
-Be present
-Follow my passions
-Laugh

Michelle Says:

December 31st, 2008, 10:13 am

It’s interesting that if you quickly scan the lists above most of them can be distilled down to this:

BE

Daisy Says:

December 31st, 2008, 10:19 am

^ I agree with Michelle

My commandment is BE.

Jeff Hall Says:

December 31st, 2008, 10:38 am

1. Live honestly
2. Communicate clearly
3. Listen intently
4. Give generously

Mumbai Says:

December 31st, 2008, 10:54 am

Nice list. Did you know that the word Zen originated from the Hindi (India) word “Dhyan” which as it spread North words got corrupted to Zen

Lyne Says:

December 31st, 2008, 11:02 am

1) Be the best version of you
2) Practice Mindful Listening
3) Bring out the best in others
4) Take time ……

Miss Attica Says:

December 31st, 2008, 11:11 am

If it could only be one it would be:

1) PAY ATTENTION

I also try to:

2) be truly humble
3) keep learning something new
4) keep an open mind
5) be honest to myself and others
6) LOVE
7) develop a strong self-discipline
8) do that which is right

Cathy Says:

December 31st, 2008, 11:21 am

My first principle is:

Always treat another the way you would want to be treated under the same circumstances.

For example, if you were an terrible boss, cheating spouse or inconsiderate friend, how would you want to be treated under those circumstances? Put yourself in the other’s place no matter how untenable, and treat them they way you would want to be treated under the same circumstances.
Sometimes, this means I must treat myself better than I instinctively would given a specific situation (like being unemployed for the past year).

My second principle is:

Always leave a location, situation or environment better than you found it. By its essence, this principle incorporates the mandate of do no harm and goes one step further by encouraging positive actions.

So far, these are my only two. They fit every situation I encounter. If I find they don’t, I’ll add another principle.

However, 100% fulfillment of these two principles have eluded me to date. I keep trying.

Zenez Says:

December 31st, 2008, 11:21 am

1- Give more
1- Tolerance

Stuart Says:

December 31st, 2008, 11:30 am

Eat
Sleep
Have Fun

Yak! Says:

December 31st, 2008, 11:41 am

learn to stay still

sam Says:

December 31st, 2008, 12:03 pm

While I love ZenHabits, I never cared for the Happiness Project. You can sink your teeth into ZenH, but Gretchen’s is a little too “fortune cookie” touchie-feely.

12 Commandments..Be Gretchen? Act the way I want to feel? I understand what she is implying, but it’s not “real”.

I’ll have to skip her site in the future. He picture makes me think she is angry about something - or upset.

sam Says:

December 31st, 2008, 12:06 pm

Learn patience. I’m trying to right now and it’s something you can’t turn on and off like a light.

I will need to grow into it.

Al M. Says:

December 31st, 2008, 12:24 pm

1) Family comes first - always
2) Be passionate
3) Stay healthy
4) Eliminate negativity
5) Keep it simple

Harry Says:

December 31st, 2008, 12:39 pm

My 3 commandments are:

1. Be positive in any circustances
2. Be grateful at all times
3. Be content

Harry

http://www.GoalsOnTrack.com

Vincent Says:

December 31st, 2008, 12:44 pm

Hey Leo,

Most of the negative thoughts are found when we are thinking about the future. By staying in the present, we can eliminate most of the negative thoughts and also allows us to be focus on what we can do in the present, which is a more helpful approach.

Cheers
Vincent
Personal Development Blogger

Miss Attica Says:

December 31st, 2008, 12:45 pm

Thanks Leo. You have inspired me to write a post of my own called My 7 commandments.

http://missattica.blogspot.com/2008/12/my-7-commandments.html

Why doesn’t it show on the list of trackbacks? I did link back here.

Enduring Wanderlust Says:

December 31st, 2008, 12:47 pm

There is no greater gift that you can give someone than to be present. To listen to them and give them thoughtful feedback. If you do nothing else people will appreciate you.

Happy New Years to all

JE Gonzalez Says:

December 31st, 2008, 13:16 pm

Simple, and to the point. If only the major religions had commandments this simple. I wrote a Manifesto for a college class and my tenets are:
Always evolve.
Listen to others
Never follow conventional wisdom
There is nothing wrong with looking good
Friends are usually a burden, except for the close lifelong ones
Work on yourself everyday
Money can be both good and evil
Never be defensive about your core beliefs

Peter J. Pittman Says:

December 31st, 2008, 13:21 pm

MY GOVERNING VALUES:
1) Carpe Diem
2) Individuality & Integrity
3) Knowledge is Power
4) Love my family & friends
5) I am financially independent
6) Less is More: eliminate - consolidate - automate
7) I am constantly active & physically fit
8) I am one with the Lord
9) Desiderata: peace - silence - reflection
10) Excellence in my career/work - find something you love doing and do it well

Kate Smith Says:

December 31st, 2008, 13:32 pm

“Be who you are and say what you feel, for those who mind, don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”
Dr. Seuss

Jenny Blake Says:

December 31st, 2008, 13:37 pm

1) Honor my friends and family. Be patient, compassionate and non-judgmental.

2) Find and appreciate the joy in life. The small things. The outdoors. The fleeting moments.

3) Inspire others; make an impact on people’s lives.

4) Live by example and with integrity so that my thoughts, speech and action are aligned with my true self.

5) Express myself fully by doing what I love.

6) Acknowledge that pain and discomfort are necessary
for growth and new experiences.

7) See the beauty in all things and all people.

Chris Vedeler Says:

December 31st, 2008, 13:41 pm

1) Accept what is real - I have spent far too much time in denial about what is so. The world is as it is, wishing it to be different is the basis of insanity. People do what they do and they show who they are. Wishing them to be different is also insanity. Accepting the world exactly the way it is is the first step to clarity and from which right action can occur.
2) Accept who I am - This is really a subset of number 1, but is important enough to be its own commandment. I have a love / hate relationship with myself. There are some areas in my life where I think I am better than most and others where I’m convinced if the world knew the real me they would lock me up. The reality is that I am no better and no worse than anyone else.
3) Tread lightly on the Earth - Simplicity is important to me. Sustainability is important me. I want my life to be lived in such a way as I leave the Earth better off by my being here.
4) Love even when it is hard - Love is easy when others love me back. Love is hard when I’m cheated on, lied to, betrayed or hated for who I am. Love anyway.
4.5) Laugh - Humor makes a difficult life fun.

NormalMiddle Says:

December 31st, 2008, 14:14 pm

This year my theme-commandment will be: SIMPLIFY.

God first, family second, everything else get in line….and wait your turn! :)

Kelly Says:

December 31st, 2008, 14:49 pm

Vincent said: “Most of the negative thoughts are found when we are thinking about the future.”

Hmm I think he may be on to something there.

sd Says:

December 31st, 2008, 15:11 pm

1.confidence
2.assertiveness
3.patience
4.believe

Chris Nadeau Says:

December 31st, 2008, 15:17 pm

Great post and a definite share. I would agree with Being Present as the top Commandment. Here is what I work at each and every day, along with being present:

Cause No Harm
Be remarkable
Listen twice as much as I speak
Lead without title
Just be nice

Heather Says:

December 31st, 2008, 15:24 pm

1. Be real

2. Be appreciative

3. Listen without interrupting people.

4. Practice impeccable integrity.

Credit goes to Dr. Gay Hendricks!

Will - TheSatisfied Says:

December 31st, 2008, 15:26 pm

1. Be deliberate.
2. Laziness cuts me like fine cutlery.
3. The future will not make me happy, the past does not make me unhappy. I must decide to be happy now.

Steve @ Mind Power for your Personal Growth Says:

December 31st, 2008, 16:23 pm

Great question;

1. Being Grateful
2. Being Patient
3. Being Inspiration (in spirit)
4. Being Playful

Bonnie | free biorhythm Says:

December 31st, 2008, 16:25 pm

How lovely :)

I think mine are something like:

1) Learn & grow
2) Be of service
3) Be at peace

Jason Hughston Says:

December 31st, 2008, 17:32 pm

I am struck by the simplicity of so many of the posts.

My mantra:

Be Present
Be Truthful
Be Content

Chanda Says:

December 31st, 2008, 18:04 pm

Be Faithful
Be Translucent
Be Diligent
Be Joyful

Mary@goodlifezen.com Says:

December 31st, 2008, 18:35 pm

I’ve got just one commandment:

“Practice tender regard!”

Why just this one?

If you touch a doorhandle with tender regard, or eat an apple with tender regard, you practice mindfulness. If you treat a being with tender regard, you practice kindness and respect.If you treat yourself with tender regard, you find happiness. Living with tender regard transforms your life, as well as the lives of those around you.

I’ve said to my Zen students that if I suddenly die, I want them to remember just this one thing: “Practice tender regard”

Yann Says:

December 31st, 2008, 18:42 pm

Great post
Be present is my favorite.
A great tibetan master wrote that being “In the awareness of “nowness”, is the very actuality of Buddhahood”

Erelen @ http://www.nemusgrove.blogspot.com Says:

December 31st, 2008, 18:59 pm

Great inspiration, as always!

Here’s my #1: Act from Love, not Fear!!

Nancy Says:

December 31st, 2008, 20:01 pm

1. Seek to let go.

2. Be in the moment

3. Do what matters most

4. Stop doing what matters less

William Says:

December 31st, 2008, 20:12 pm

Great Post, Leo
I’ve been following your blog for about 6 months now and
you’ve inspired me to start my own blog.
As far as, my own commandments I haven’t thought of any but I’m sure they’ll come to mind.

Doreen Says:

December 31st, 2008, 20:55 pm

Great blog Leo, I enjoy it very much.
Mine is:
Care More.

linda bell Says:

December 31st, 2008, 20:59 pm

Need is an Illusion
Failure is an Illusion
Disunity is an Illusion
Insufficiency is an Illusion
Requirement is an Illusion
Judgment is an Illusion
Condemnation is an Illusion
Conditionality is an Illusion
Superiority is an Illusion
Ignorance is an Illusion

Ian Says:

December 31st, 2008, 22:35 pm

EVOLVE (always improving yourself)
ENRICH (always making the world around you better)
ENJOY (…the journey)

Shakirah Zain Says:

January 1st, 2009, 0:40 am

Thank you for a post that has emancipated me from the fear of resolutions. I have blogged on your blog (hehe) and my commandments will be:
1. To be true to myself..no more pretenses
2. To practice gratitude everyday and keep a gratitude journal
3. To act from love and not from hatred or anger.
4. To believe I can be better then ever before and forgive myself if I err from this path

Kat Eden Says:

January 1st, 2009, 0:41 am

I love ‘be present’. That’s something I’ve had in my mind for a few years now and always try to come back to it.
This morning I sat down and wrote my commandments (before I’d seen this article, so timely post!) - but I think I chose too many. If I had to cut it back to four, I’d say ‘be present’, ‘be self-aware’, ‘be proud of myself’ and ‘be energized’ .. I’m going to aim to bring everything I say, do, act, write, blog, think, feel back to these 4 things.
Here’s to hoping!

Peter Durand Says:

January 1st, 2009, 0:51 am

I agree with all the wonderful commandments about just being, love, and tolerance. I would like to add some others:

1. Learn from children.
2. Teach your elders.
3. Mock all those in power.
4. Never force a bowel movement.

These are 100% sincere–and hopefully helpful– commandments, my friends.

sri Says:

January 1st, 2009, 3:44 am

@Leo: If you are Present in the Moment other commandments will come Automatically.

James - AdventureGuy Says:

January 1st, 2009, 4:27 am

Happy New Year! Leo,

My Five Commandments For 2009 & Beyond:
1) Live In The Moment!
2) Share with Others!
3) Smile Daily!
4) Leave No Regrets!
5) Practice Awesomeness!

Tarah Says:

January 1st, 2009, 5:22 am

I find these commandments overlook something: not many of us know who we really are. Heck, I don’t know who I am. I am a complex individual and I’m not sure I like myself every day.

It’s damn hard work, liking yourself. And what if being true to yourself means you can’t make new friends? That isn’t so nice, trust me.

Sameer Says:

January 1st, 2009, 5:38 am

Hi,
I like what you have posted on your site. Here is another blog that I adore and may be if you have time, you would like to explore:
http://offbeatspirituality.blogspot.com/

Hyder Says:

January 1st, 2009, 6:36 am

Mine is just to…

BE.

That’s it.

Daniel Fackrell / Intchanter Says:

January 1st, 2009, 6:53 am

1. Learn
2. Grow
3. Act
4. Spread

CharlieScribe Says:

January 1st, 2009, 10:04 am

Hmm, I had eleven commandments based on Gretchen’s blog, but in the spirit of Less is More:

1. We are all One
2. Live Simply so that others may simply live
3. Persevere
4. Deeds, not words

Tess Marshall Says:

January 1st, 2009, 10:56 am

Be harmless, the one you deleted speaks to me.
I’ve spent the last week in Michigan visiting family. In my daughters bathroom at eye level is a sign that says:

Think before you speak.
Is it nice?
Is it timely?
Is it necessary?
Is it kind?

It’s easy to gossip, put down and condemn with words. Since being here I’ve stopped myself several times in mid sentence due to my answers to these questions.

Be harmless with your words in 2009. This will be my practice.
Happy New Year

Suzanne Says:

January 1st, 2009, 12:10 pm

My list of life’s rules of living: (My kids have these memorized because they were raised with them.)

1. Don’t do anything to hurt yourself
2. Don’t do anything to hurt others
3. Clean up your own messes
4. Be polite
5. Get permission ( I added this when my girls got older.)

When raising my girls, if they broke one of these, I would ask them to think about while sitting quietly in a chair for the number of minutes for their age. Then at the end of that time they would tell me what rules were broken and what they should have maybe done, and what they need to do now. I hope it still pops into their heads now and then, because they are now adults and GREAT people!

Suzanne

Sensei Says:

January 1st, 2009, 13:27 pm

Here, here on the “do less” part. I’m currently digesting Tim Ferriss’ “”Four Hour Work Week” and am trying to cut out the “busy work.”

Matches Malone Says:

January 1st, 2009, 14:03 pm

Well, There are about ten, or more at this point, however, I wrote the original seven all at once:

1. The Essence of Drama is Conflict
2. Real Life Has no background music.
3. Soap Operas are not real life.
4. Always go third.
5. Never throw anything away…
6. The night isn’t over until the sun comes up.
7. Never plan anything more than a week in advance….

Now, these may be specific to my niche/industry, however, they’ve served me well over the years….

Amy-Lynn Says:

January 1st, 2009, 14:59 pm

4. Always go third.

Matches Malone: can you give any background to this one? I love it.

Tom Says:

January 1st, 2009, 15:37 pm

Thank you all for your heart injunctions. To add to the growing pile, here are mine. There are ten, which I try to recite every day as a basis for my morning guided meditation, by contemplating, practicing, and vowing each of the following, as I breathe in and out:

I. (Returning to the Present Moment):
1. Breathe.
2. Observe.
3. Let Go.

II. (A Generic Daily Agenda):
1. Be well.
2. Do good work.
3. Keep in touch.
(-with gratitude to Garrison Keillor, from whom I borrowed these three).

III. (Renewing my Life Agenda):
1. Learn.
2. Teach.
3. Heal.
4. Create.

J.D. Meier Says:

January 1st, 2009, 17:26 pm

1) continuous improvement
2) lift others up / make others great
3) stay flexible in approach
4) live and learn

Penny Says:

January 1st, 2009, 18:41 pm

I’ve been discussing goals on my website too. This has been wonderful to read these posts! I think my biggest downfall for years has been just taking some action. I’m great at dreaming and tops at setting goals…but pushing through that and taking action, no matter how small, has been my weakness. Taking action, every day…that is my commandment for 2009!

TinyNow Says:

January 1st, 2009, 19:08 pm

Can’t resist giving this a shot…

1. Be compassionate (to myself as well as the rest of the universe)
2. Stay open
3. Think about how to live well
4. Improve gently
5. Accept that their are things I cannot change. (Momentary emotions, actions of others, the past, physics, death, and taxes to name a few.)

selene sosa Says:

January 1st, 2009, 19:23 pm

be present.
be patient.
be kind.
be unselfish without being blind.
though i suffer i will not envy.

DKumar M. Says:

January 1st, 2009, 19:43 pm

First : Be yourself
.
…
…..
…….
………
Last : Be yourself

Kimberly Says:

January 1st, 2009, 19:44 pm

WOW… tough question.

1. Never stop learning.
2. Learn to accept things and move on.
3. Don’t dwell on the past or things that can’t be changed.
4. Never stop moving forward.
5. Be more loving towards myself and others.

Thank you for this article. It really gave me “food for thought”.

Mike Says:

January 1st, 2009, 20:08 pm

This is a difficult question, one which I’ve always subconsciously thought about but never devoted much conscious thought to. I think I can condense how I am into one commandment, however:

1. Be myself.

Though, if you share my outlook, that’s quite possibly the most complex commandment imaginable, and so is definitely not a simple thing to do.

Penny Says:

January 1st, 2009, 20:15 pm

So true, Mike!

http://www.martinpenny.com

Joe Says:

January 1st, 2009, 20:16 pm

I was struck by this phrase from the John Adams HBO special. John was leaving for awhile and was saying goodbye to his daughter and asked her what she should always remember. She said, “Be good, and do good.”

I think that sums up all the commandments you need.

Life of an Internet Entrepreneur Says:

January 1st, 2009, 21:43 pm

1) Do the right thing
2) Be persistent
3) Be determined
4) Be patient

Lillian (age 4 and 11/12) Says:

January 1st, 2009, 21:55 pm

From my daughter:

1. Sweet dreams.
2. Lilly loves to wear dresses.
3. Happy thoughts.
4. Follow the rules.
5. Keep your hands to yourself.
6. Always have a happy heart.
7. Always wear your shoes.

Azar Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 0:45 am

Be Straightforward

Jessica T. Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 2:28 am

1. Experience joy
2. Be present
3. See beauty
4. Spread love

Timothy Long Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 3:57 am

1. Seek to glorify God in everything
2. Seek truth as if it were treasure
3. Love others as Jesus loved

Oh, and when in doubt—ride waves.

Barb Chamberlain Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 10:39 am

What a great post and comments. I’ll have to go away and think about this before adding mine so they’re truly mine, not just copying all the inspiration here. “Do less” was the point of my most recent blog post, as I have a real tendency to overdo.

One thought on the overall point, which everyone seems to have followed:

I’ve long been struck by the negative tone of the biblical 10 Commandments. Don’t do this, don’t do that. While some of the prohibitions make sense (like not murdering), there really isn’t much positive guidance for how to LIVE.

These lists all accomplish what I thought was missing from the biblical set.

Thank you all for the inspiration.

@BarbChamberlain

Gerald Weber Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 11:35 am

Here are my four commandments.

1) Never give up.

2) Have a action plan

3) Prioritize

4) Put off procrastination

5) Live every day with passion

MizFit Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 11:47 am

Build community.
Be present.
Do unto others.
Give without hesitation.

Ubiguchi Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 19:49 pm

While I defined my own list of commandments last year I’ve recently decided to refine them into a personal mantra:

To challenge, enjoy and respect life.

There are so many good precepts out there (be present is very powerful) it seems a shame to choose a smattering of them, so I now keep a dynamic list of favourite precepts, all of which feed from my mantra.

Ravi Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 22:26 pm

It is really hard to actually list down only four of five of the commandments you want to follow.
But i guess seeing it on a bigger picture most of what we think wouldn’t turn to our benefit in the end.

Here is a small list of what my commandments are:

- Evaluate your mistake and failures & Make sure you are learning something from it.

- Respect Elders and be kind to younger ones.

- Be optimistic about life.

Finally
- Add a little smile to all your worries. It lessens the pain and trauma.

Shakirah Zain Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 23:44 pm

When I posted my earlier 4 commandments I forgot these 4:
1) Be Impeccable With My Words
2)Don’t Make Assumptions
3) Don’t Take AnythingPersonally
4) Do My Best

Courtesy of The 4 Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

Jon Hartman Says:

January 3rd, 2009, 3:27 am

@BarbChamberlain - It sounds like your familiarity with the Bible is limited only to the 10 commandments themselves, since you mentioned not seeing any positive statements. Irrespective of your religious affiliation, I’d encourage you to check out parts beyond those few paragraphs. Some instant gratification can especially be derived from the book of Proverbs.

At the same time, you can always interpolate that the positive inverse of the commandments is true: deal fair-and-square with people, sleep only with your spouse, worship only the one true God, etc.

Mateo Says:

January 3rd, 2009, 5:05 am

Seek
Evolve
Transcend the moment

Rae Says:

January 3rd, 2009, 18:18 pm

Live simply.
Live healthily.
Live compassionately.

Grady Ormsby Says:

January 4th, 2009, 10:02 am

Enjoy being.

Jeanne Says:

January 4th, 2009, 10:13 am

1. Appreciate
appreciate people, and other points of view, appreciate environment, and the affect that it has on me, appreciate even food - what it took to get whatever is in front of me onto my plate. Planters, growers, shippers, etc. My first commandment for myself this year is take more time to appreciate life around me.
2. Communicate
freely, openly, to self and others.
3 Create
reather than passively consume. Create friendships, create opportunity, create art and ideas.

M@ Says:

January 4th, 2009, 20:17 pm

“Be Present” is kinda new to me - after reading so many comments about it I think I might have to try that one on.

Apologies for crudeness: But I’ve only got this

1. Don’t be a dick.

I stole it from Wil Weaton - not sure where he got it.

M@

Travis Ritch Says:

January 4th, 2009, 22:34 pm

Live
Love
Learn
Leave a legacy

-Stephen Covey

Sammy Says:

January 5th, 2009, 15:30 pm

Be patient
Be curious
Be easy going
Be happy by simply smiling
Be You

Barb Chamberlain Says:

January 5th, 2009, 15:32 pm

Jon Hartman,

Thanks for the point you make. I understand that there are other directives and recommendations for how to live a good life, in both the original Jewish Torah and other teachings, and in the Christian New Testament.

My comment was specific to the formally designated Ten Commandments, since that was the structure of this exercise. People weren’t asked to develop their entire set of spiritual (or scriptural) guidelines.

While it certainly is possible to read the positive intent behind the Ten Commandments, the wording still includes far more repetitions of the phrase “shall not” than any other phrasing, in the commonly taught versions in both Exodus and Deuteronomy. (I’m bypassing the other list of ritual commandments in Exodus that refers to sacrifice of firstborn animals, observing various feast days, bringing offerings to the temple, and so forth.)

As I said, I’ve always found the emphasis on what NOT to do to be a shortcoming of that list, as a set of religious and moral imperatives said to be handed down directly by God. There’s a lot of running room outside the specific areas of behavior spoken to in the list.

Maybe what this points out is the shortcomings of any set of spiritual beliefs reduced to a list, although I still plan to work on my own personal “commandments” (which I think of as commitments).

Thanks again for your comment.

@BarbChamberlain

Rich Says:

January 6th, 2009, 14:30 pm

1. Be yourself.
2. Be a none-perfect human.
3. Be hardworking.
4. Be proud of what you are.

Em Says:

January 6th, 2009, 14:56 pm

Remain at peace always, whatever the situation is.

Dan Massicotte Says:

January 6th, 2009, 20:13 pm

Re: No. 2: Reminds me of Stephen Covey: “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” Sure is true.

lanette lewis Says:

January 7th, 2009, 0:50 am

Be nice.

Stay curious

Ryan Barrett Says:

January 7th, 2009, 14:01 pm

Be Effective.
Smile (New one.)
Be Curious
Learn and understand

Paul Says:

January 7th, 2009, 16:33 pm

See the common in a new way each day.

Angelica Says:

January 7th, 2009, 17:23 pm

Aside from having an objective existence…

I will daringly love to spite pain and fear. (That’s friend family and foe)

gnosey1 Says:

January 12th, 2009, 11:51 am

Savor
Simplify
Smile

Nathan Says:

March 26th, 2009, 15:49 pm

1. Be the man you want your children to be - whether you have children of not.