Dear Doctor:

In the waning moments of 2007, we have an opportunity to reflect on what worked, what didn’t work, what we want in the coming year, and how we need to show up and act to make that happen.

I was reminded by outstanding Masters Circle member Dr. Steve Zimmerman of Charleston, S.C. of this charming and highly relevant synopsis of the “Instructions For Life,” written by the Dalai Lama.

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three R’s: respect for self, respect for others and responsibility for all your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship.
7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day.
9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

These guidelines are steeped in truth and still don’t take themselves too seriously, an important meta-lesson that is implied, one that I see woven through all the writings of the great spiritual masters, a spoken and unspoken plea to lighten up and see the humor, even in times of gravity and challenge.

As you read and re-read through this list, pause at those you feel strong at, and reward yourself for your growth and presence – and then, notice those which you haven’t yet manifested as clearly, and decide what commitments are required to institute them. Be accountable and live consistently with universal principles – it will come back to reward you in ways that will delight and astound you.

Dennis Perman DC, for The Masters Circle

PS Start your year off right by joining us in Dallas in January – the focus of the program is Healing and Wellness, and we have an amazing line-up of speakers, including David Simon (from the Chopra Center,) MT Morter (founder of BEST) and Tedd Koren, not to mention a special presentation by Robin Sharma and a guest appearance from Gerry Clum, President of Life West – there will be elective sessions with the technique masters, and many opportunities to mix it up with these world class healers – for info or to register, please go to www.themasterscircle.com or call 800-451-4514.

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