Friday, June 13, 2008
The Four Agreements

It isn't the first time I have read Don Miguel Ruiz's book "The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, A Toltec Wisdom Book". In fact, I have read this book three times over the last several years. I am in the process of listening to it as well.

The four agreements are these: Be impeccable with your word. Don't take anything personally. Don't make assumptions. Always do your best.

You'd think the agreements would be easy to embrace and practice, but they are not. I am not surprised at how these agreements are not made in my life. I need to work on them, all four, and improve the quality of my life. Being aware is only a baby step.

Some of the book I have a very difficult time coming to terms with because I was raised in such a way that I always put everyone else around me first. I am easily guilted into doing something I don't want to do and I guilt the people around me. I definitely assume and I almost always take things personally. The only agreement I feel I strive to fulfill each day is the last one, which is to always do my best.

Always going your best is a great chapter because it explains that "your best" will surely change on a daily basis. When you're sick you're best will be less than when you're 100% healthy and so on.

The entire philosophy is based on Toltec beliefs. Ruiz, the author, was born into a Mexican family of traditional healers, became a surgeon in adulthood, then underwent a near-death experience that made him reexamine his life, his beliefs.

He talks about emotions, misconceptions, best practices and how each person allows external influences to guide them through life.
From the cover of the book:

Be Impeccable With Your Word: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

Don't Take Anything Personally: Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

Don't Make Assumptions: Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

Always Do Your Best: Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.
I love this book. I am sure I will read it many more times. I recommend it to everyone in my life regardless of your background, religion or current beliefs. Even if you end up disagreeing with the messages I do still think it is a beneficial read and well written. Or you can listen to it, you can buy it on iTunes or audible.com and it's very short so it takes less than 3 hours to listen.

Buy the book!

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