Based on the writings of don
Miguel Ruiz and published in 1997,
this is a life-changing book whose ideas
come from the ancient Toltec wisdom of the native people of Southern
Mexico. The Toltec were
“people of knowledge” ~ scientists and artists who created a society to explore
and conserve not only the traditional spiritual knowledge, but also the
practices of their ancestors.
The Toltec viewed science and
spirit as part of the same entity, believing that all energy ~ material or ethereal
~ is derived from and governed by the Universe.
Don Miguel Ruiz, born and raised in rural Mexico, was brought up to
follow his family's Toltec ways by his mother, a Toltec faith healer, and his
grandfather, a Toltec shaman. Despite this, don Miguel decided to pursue a
conventional education which led him to qualify and practise for several years
as a surgeon.
Following a car crash, don Miguel
Ruiz reverted to his Toltec roots during the late 1970's...studying and
learning in depth the Toltec ways and
then healing, teaching, lecturing and writing during the 1980's and
1990's...when he wrote The Four Agreements.
The simple ideas of The
Four Agreements
provide an
inspirational code for life.
In wartime, after continual strife, Agreements, Treaties and
Pacts are made between/among countries to end the battle (be it bloody or
otherwise) and to live as peacefully as is possible thereafter.
Businesses have Agreements which
designate the protocol of behaviour and principles to which employees must adhere…for
not only the success of the company but also to create a pleasant working
atmosphere (conducive to camaraderie and achievement).
Parents, to have a family living
in a harmonious environment, set standards of acceptable actions by which ALL
must abide; failing which, negotiations must be discussed, reorganized and
agreed upon.
The Four Agreements are
geared to us personally ~ our thoughts, our actions and our coping strategies.
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.
Interpretation: Impeccable means without 'sin' and sin is
something you do or believe that goes against yourself or to others. To be impeccable means to take responsibility
for yourself, to not participate in “the blame game”. Impeccability starts at home and will reflect
in your life and your relationship with others.
This Agreement can help change agreements, especially ones that
create fear instead of love.
My Opinion: When speaking, it is important to have
knowledge and to explain with clarity so
there is no misunderstanding. I will not
be “party to gossip”. The best solution
is...“Think Before You Speak” and choose your words wisely.
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 suffer.
Interpretation: We take things personally when we agree with
what others have said. If we didn't
agree, the things that others say would not affect us emotionally. If we did not care about what others think
about us, their words or behaviour could not affect us.
My Opinion: If a friend insults or belittles me, I will
react in defence of my character. If a
friend becomes controlling, I'll readily state my position
“Words mean nothing…when your actions contradict.”.
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 one agreement, you can clearly transform your
life.
Interpretation: When we make assumptions, it is because we
believe we know others' thoughts and feelings. We believe we know their point
of view, their dream. We forget that our
beliefs are just our point of view based on our belief system and personal
experiences.
My Opinion: I fully agree and I do not assume anything
without supporting facts.
ALWAYS DO YOUR
BEST
Your best is going
to change from moment to moment;
when you are
healthy, it will be different as opposed
to sick.
Under any circumstance, simply
do your best and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.
Interpretation: Doing your best means enjoy the action
without expecting a reward. Pleasure comes
from doing what you like in life and having fun ~ not from how much you
get paid. Enjoy the path travelled and
destination will take care of itself.
My Opinion” With any project or task, I'll try my
best. I don't want to reassess saying,
“I could have, I should have...”. I just
don't worry about things over which I have no control.
For your own personal
satisfaction, Readers...
how would you
address these "Four Agreements"?
Words of Wisdom
"Don't sacrifice what
you want in life for what you want now.
Do something today
that you will thank yourself for in the future."
(Islamic Reflection)
Merle
Baird-Kerr...written July 23, 2014
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