According to Don Miguel Ruiz, “Everything we do is based on agreements we have made - agreements with ourselves, with other people, with God, with life. But the most important agreements are the ones we make with ourselves. In these agreements we tell ourselves who we are, how to behave, what is possible, what is impossible.”
Don Miguel Ruiz, born in rural Mexico, was raised in the Toltec traditions. He pursued a conventional education, which allowed him to practice for several years as a surgeon. After an accident, Don Miguel returned to his family’s Toltec roots in the late 1970's, studying and learning the Toltec ways. During the 80's and 90’s, while healing, teaching, lecturing and writing, he wrote The Four Agreements, a code for life and a template for personal development.
This is how Don Miguel Ruiz summarises 'The Four Agreements':
agreement 1
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.
agreement 2
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.
agreement 3
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.
agreement 4
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.
Seems so simple on the surface, but what emotional maturity and courage it would take to actually live by The Four Agreements. Agreements 2 and 4 will be the hardest for me, but I know the effort will be worth it.
Which would be hardest for you?
October 2, 2007
The Four Agreements
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2 Shared Thoughts:
i like these a lot.
numbers 2 and 3 are definatly the most difficult for iself. i am a lion in every sense of the word (my last name is lyon, i am a leo, i am a rasta, and my blonde dreads are very much like a golden mane of a lion). so while i can be fierce and strong, i also get my feelings hurt easily. yes, number 2 will be a good reminder for me.
bless up sistren lady roots. give thanks for itinuing to send positive good vybz.
Caveman,
Itinual Ras-pect to the I and to Empress Kelly.
Like the crab,(hard exterior and vulnerable interior) as a Cancer, I, too can be easily hurt. Now when I know someone intends me emotional harm, I will strive not to take it personally.
Agreement 4 is getting easier for me, now that I no longer have to be an "employee". I deeply resented having to work for people who were so obviously clueless, but who had the right contacts to get ahead. The resentment made me feel justified in doing just well enough to get by. I never liked how that made me feel. Now I delight in doing my best in all endeavors.
Bless Up,
Lady Roots
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