The Four Agreements

This Thanksgiving passed I was given some knowledge (loose talk). All jokes aside this is one of the best gifts one can receive. Tidbits and knowledge on how to handle life.

Life happens simultaneously. Nothing stops simply because something else has started. I am a sister, a daughter, a friend, a wife, a mother, a person, and business owner. I have several things I need to give on a daily basis and can become overwhelmed. Depending on which thing I am dealing with at the moment will determine which side of me you see.

This leads me to the lesson I learned. “Don’t take things personal. It’s not about you.” I will deal with people through the eyes of the mask I am wearing at that particular time. So of course this means it is fair to say that other people are doing the same.

The Four Agreements (A book by Don Miguel Ruiz) are as follows:

1. Be impeccable with your word
2. Don’t take anything personal
3. Don’t make assumptions
4. Always do your best

These may seem like very simple statements. But when you really try to put them in to practice with every person you encounter you will see how this is the hardest thing to do. Below are single examples of each lesson Ruiz tries to teach.

1. Manifest your intentions (Be impeccable with your word)
“Regardless of what language you speak your intent will manifest through the word what you dream, what you feel, and what you really are will all be manifested through the word”

2. See other people as they are (Don’t take it personal)
” When you see other people as they are without taking it personally, you can never be hurt by what they say or do. Even if others lie to you, it is okay. they are lying because they are afraid you will that they are not perfect. (it’s not about you)

3. Be yourself around others (Don’t Make Assumptions)
“The biggest assumption that humans make is that everyone sees life the way we do. We assume that others think they way we think, feel the way we feel, judge the way we judge, and abuse the way we abuse. We are afraid to be ourselves around others because we think others will judge us, victimize us, abuse us, and blame us as we blame ourselves.

4. Do your best because you want to (Always Do Your Best)
” You do your best when you are enjoying the action or doing it in a way that will not have negative repercussions for you. You do your best because you WANT to do it- not because you HAVE to do it. Not because you are trying to please the judge, and not because you are trying to please other people.

These are just one example of 48 he uses to convey his philosophy. I am sharing what I learned the last week in hopes that it may help another. If anything get you to see another way of thinking.

Be well!

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