8 Rules of Love - Jay Shetty

This is the first time I have left a time lag between finishing the book and writing my post. Not surprisingly, this is less than ideal for capturing the fresh thoughts. It should, however, allow me to be efficient in sharing the more lasting impressions.

In an unrelated but related topic, this is also the first post I am writing with my wireless keyboard connected to my iPhone. I was frustrated by the hopefully temporary malfunction of my iPad keyboard, and simultaneously malfunction of one of ergonomic mice. However, just like my feelings about the second tire I probably didn’t need to buy, now that I have switched my mindset to say that each of these incidents is protection against something larger, whether to remind myself of a lesson so that I don’t get hurt on the next big one, or to practice a skill so I don’t lose it, then I can feel much better about it. The iPad keyboard was bound to malfunction sooner or later, just like the iPad could. And to have a keyboard that works with an iPhone is incredible. It is also a reminder that the weight of the devices is a major component to their value and usefulness.

Now back to the book. It was better than I thought. I suppose there is a reminder about the danger of success, that because Jay Shetty’s profile and ideas actually spread, found an audience, tapped into a need, that the next natural human response, especially from a cynically leaning person, is to cast doubt or shade on their abilities. 

I learned from his book and I believed that he had a message to share. It made me think he was in a real relationship and that he actually spent time in a monastery. Truthfully I reserved doubts about both before I read the book. 

His 8 rules are broken into 4 parts. For my purposes, only Part 1 about Solitude has any immediate relevance. Lesson 1 is to let yourself be alone, and Rule 2 is don’t ignore your karma. This is similar to the lesson from Jon asking me to do the 12-hour walk, and to truly be alone. Rule 2 is similar to the lesson from Vivian, about how we will be presented with an opportunity to learn the same lesson over and over again until we can actually learn it and move forward. 

Not only have the last 6 months been the longest I have been single, they are also the longest I have gone without sex. Although I am starting to be curious about new connections, I also see the many places where I want to swap solitude for loneliness, and to learn these lessons once and for all, so I don’t have to repeat them and learn them again. 

I do need to access more regular morning and midday meditations, so I don’t lose track of my inner voice. But I am grateful for this book and gained respect for the author.

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