Dawn's 10 Favorite Axioms

So over the years I have developed what are sometimes referred to as "Dawn's Axioms." After today's nasty encounter, I began thinking a lot about how my ideals have shifted over the last 15+ years. Many of them can be summed up in the following:

1. Energy undirected will find form. – If you raise energy without directing it, it may find outlets you are not comfortable with. Buried emotions can come up when you least expect it. Energy is as real as matter, find ways to channel it safely.


2. Make conscious the unconscious. – If you make conscious the unconscious motivations, results and ideals of yours or others’, you give the power of choice.


3. Kindness and respect are everyone’s due, even you. – No matter what they or you have done, it is never a bad idea to treat someone with kindness and respect.


4. Everybody is doing the best the know how to do given the resources they currently have. – That doesn’t mean that you approve of what they are doing. But they may not have had the knowledge, experience, stability or physical ability to have done it differently. Offering help in such areas will result in better results than punishment. Of course, if they do not want to do it differently, protecting yourself is also an option.


5. Never assume malice. – Most of the time, people act without the understanding of why they do what they do, let alone the consequences of their behavior. That does not mean you must accept the behavior. But it is usually not helpful to assume malice.


6. It probably isn't about you. – We often react to other people as a child who thinks the world revolves around them. Most of the time, when other people are angry or afraid, it is not about us but about their own history.


7. You are responsible for your own actions or inactions. – We may not always be in control of our emotions, but we are responsible for our behavior. We are not responsible for the behavior of others. Even parents can only guide their children.


8. Everything and everyone changes. – You can't go back. Places change, people change. For example, if you knew someone ten years ago, you must lean them anew.


9. Breathe deep and slow, and the pain will go. – Taking time to breathe, relax and think can help in most areas of life. Breathing deep and relaxing will lessen physical pain by getting additional oxygen into the blood stream. It also helps you get in touch with your body, emotions, and make better decisions.


10. Evolution has no direction or purpose other than survival. – The natural process of evolution is where some animals die and others do not because of their ability to adapt to changes in the environment. Only the species who is able to produce offspring that survive long enough to reproduce will thrive. Humans reproduce not only their genetics, but their ideals. If you want to do more than survive, your growth should include consciousness of your choices.

This is a work in progress and your input is certainly welcome. Oh, and if you remember any of my other axioms that I forgot, feel free to remind me.