Question⌄

Take nothing for granted; everything that is true in this world has an understandable explanation for why it is true. It is your duty to continuously question the world around you until you are satisfied with the answer.

The symbol for this tenet represents both an eye looking back and an arrow pointing forward. The central idea for this tenet is “look back to move forward.” This is also the overall practice of science; scientists use past observations to make predictions about the future and determine trends.

This tenet reminds us of our natural curiosity about our observations of the world. The most common question asked by children is “why?” Our sense of wonder is with us from the day we are born. We can use communication tools and research to satisfy our curiosity and come up with new questions that you never even thought you could ask.

Listen⌄

You are born as a blank slate, ready to receive information about how to survive and thrive in the world around you. Unfortunately, your brain does not have enough time to fully develop before you are born. Luckily, people think you’re pretty cute for at least a few years and they will want to take care of you and help you learn and grow. Lessons about you and your world will come quickly; it’s your job to absorb as much information as you can.

It’s actually a good thing our brains are not fully developed when we enter the world; our ability to interact with the world will teach us more than we could ever learn in the safety of our mothers’ womb. The best way to grow is by listening, which doesn’t only refer to what you hear.

The symbol for this tenet represents outstretched arms. When you stand up from being asleep or simply sitting, your first instinct is to stretch your muscles. This is a form of you listening to your body. When you quiet your mind in the form of meditation, you will find that your body will talk with you quite frequently. It will tell you what it needs to thrive and will even send you messages to help make the best decisions for your overall well-being.

This tenet reminds us of opening ourselves to the world. When we are open, it gives other people “breathing room” so that they can feel at ease. We have the choice to hold on or release the energy that we take in from others. Openness allows energy to flow in and out.

Empathize⌄

You are not alone in this world; there are others who were here before you and there will be many who arrive after you. While you exist in this world, you have the ability to manipulate your surroundings and influence people close to you. If we want to create the best possible future for ourselves and everyone around us, we will need empathy.

To properly empathize, you must completely disregard everything you know to be you and view the world through someone else’s perspective. This can be difficult at first since you have no way to understand how your upbringing influenced you differently than others. With practice, you’ll get better.

The symbol for this tenet represents a speaking mouth. When you speak, you share your thoughts; with empathy, you can choose the best words to help others understand your intentions. You can use your voice, or your actions or works of art, to connect with other people to make a change in your world.

This tenet reminds us of action and doing. When we do anything, including sit perfectly still, it has an effect on this world We are responsible for the consequences of our actions. However, we can never fully undo what we have done so we must focus on our next actions rather than our previous ones.

Trust⌄

Trust is the hardest tenet to follow because it is a continual practice. They say “trust takes a long time to build and a moment to destroy.” To trust is a decision you make on a daily, and sometimes a moment by moment, basis. Trust can overpower fear and allow you to see the world with a more open perspective.

The symbol for this tenet represents home, perhaps a tent or a mountain. The home is quiet yet welcoming; it is consistent and accepting. To trust is to accept something as truth. Acceptance is the final stage of undergoing change and is difficult to reach. However, once it is reached, you can never return to your beliefs before the change.

This tenet reminds us of patience and the state of being. To be is to accept the world around you, as well as yourself within that world. The most frustrating thing about practicing patience is that it always takes time. Just because you were patient before doesn’t mean you can skip being patient this time. However, if you can master this tenet, peace will always be within reach.

During your brief time here, you will change into many different people. To stay the same person throughout your life is to avoid growth. Without growth, there is no progress. With no progress, what is the purpose of existing?

You are free to choose how you will live your life; the tenets are merely guidelines. Each tenet becomes easier to follow the more you practice it. Try to keep your energy balanced in how you interact with this world. Some may come more naturally than others, but the only way to become the best version of yourself is to learn to interact with the world in all ways.

If you ask a question, you must listen for the answer. If you receive something new from the outside world, you must make a change in your perspective or in your surroundings. If you make a change, then you must trust in the change that you made and let it be. If you are able to trust this world around you is real, you must be willing to question all of it.

You may find that practicing one direction gives clarity for another: questioning helps you to make greater change; listening helps you to trust more. You have a choice in every moment how you want use your energy to interact with this world.

Balance takes discipline but it makes everything else easier.

Your Human Manual

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