We all have heard of the three R’s, reading, writing, and arithmetic. I think we could add Rights, Respect, and Responsibility to this list.

Rights. We have the right to speak, drive a car, and walk our dogs; however, when our words, our driving patterns, or our walking the dog causes harm to another, then we don’t have rights any longer.

I’ve spoken about mats before. If we put our mat on top of another’s mat accidentally and/or on purpose, and if our words cause psychological pain, then we don’t have the right of freedom of speech. Sometimes we are not aware that we have caused harm, in those instances, we have to take responsibility and apologize for our words and ask how we can make amends.

Respect. Honoring one another no matter what characteristics or differing viewpoints they may have. We must agree to disagree. We must listen, hold the other person in unconditional positive regard, and we must acknowledge that it is their past characteristics and life’s circumstances that has brought them to where they stand today. We must not try to sway them to our side. We are all beings of light and love and must honor and respect one another with our differences.

I once saw a poster that pictured butterflies with varying sizes, shapes, colors, and species. The wordage below the sign said: “Diversity creates dimension in our world.”

Responsibility. People want to blame others, past circumstances, or any other outside force for their behaviors and actions. We are the creator of our thoughts, feelings, behaviors, circumstances, and destiny. If someone or something puts their mat on top of yours, and you don’t like it, then you have the Right and Responsibility – in a loving respectful manner – to tell them how you feel. The other person isn’t a mind reader, and they don’t know how their words affected you, unless you let them know. This is going to sound weird, however; it is your responsibility to be responsible.

As soon as you are aware that you may have spoken out disrespectfully, you drove your car blindly into the other’s, or allowed your dog to misbehave, the sooner you can take responsibility, respect them, and allow them to have their rights secured. We all accidently step on others mats, that’s a part of being human; however, what is paramount is that we take ownership of our Selves and do the Right thing by apologizing and in doing so, we are taking Responsibility for our actions. In this way we acknowledge them and ourselves for our imperfections.

I challenge you to go forth and be aware of when and how you may be putting your mat on top of someone else’s mat.