(Minghui.org) A Falun Dafa practitioner should have a good cultivation environment, but how can one improve their surroundings? The only way is to improve oneself first, as a diligent practitioner can change his or her environment, allowing them to have the environment and support to do the three things well.

We are not choosing our surroundings, but the environment is formed as a result of our cultivation. Master said,

“... one’s own factors can in fact change one’s surroundings.” (“Fa Teaching Given at the Epoch Times Meeting,” Collected Teachings Given Around the World Volume X)

We must not forget we are practitioners, because this is the fundamental element of our cultivation.

After reaching the above understanding, I decided to change my behavior and speech at home. I have always been a little hard of hearing, and used to speak loudly. Now I make sure I lower my voice when I talk. When I close the door, I hold the doorknob and close the door gently to avoid making any noise. I walk softly in the hallway and at home, being as quiet as possible. When shopping for groceries and other items, I try to not be picky. I measure things with the Fa principles when I encounter problems, and resolve them with a calm mind while using the Fa’s standard.

I quiet my mind before I study the Fa, and try to squeeze in more time to study. I look at Master’s exercises videos and correct and adjust my movements accordingly.

I noticed a transformation in myself after I made these changes. My family also noticed and liked the small changes I made, which has given me more confidence to improve myself. A family member said, “You used to make a lot of noise when closing the door, and your voice is softer now. You’re like a different person.”

I replied, “Master teaches us to put others first. I am trying to follow his teachings, watch my own actions carefully, and be a good person who thinks of others first.” I understood there are no small things in cultivation.

I also realized that if Dafa practitioners cultivate well, we will have a greater effect in awakening people. If we do poorly, it will bring negative effects, and prevent people from awakening.

From now on, I will try harder to follow the Fa principles in all aspects of my life. Being diligent starts from the small things, and when I improve I can do the three things well.

I often ask myself, “Do I understand the inner meanings of the Fa when I study the Fa? Have I done my best when I talk to people about Falun Dafa and the persecution? Everything in the Dafa books and lectures comes from Master, and have I listened to Master? How much have I done based on Master’s teachings? Have I reached the Fa’s standard? Have I understood and done things according to Dafa’s teachings when encountering tribulations and tests?”

I sincerely said, “Master, I must do well from now on. Do things according to the Fa principles, cultivate well according to your requirements, and go home with Master!”

This is my current understanding. Please correct me if anything in my understanding is not in line with the Fa.