Embracing The Four Agreements

Intro

I’ve been procrastinating on this post I planned to write about a month ago. I think I now understand why…I thought that I probably needed the time to think it through, to truly understand what an agreement means to me, and to go out there fearlessly. I understand the truth only now and what I want. I’ve been making agreements with everyone but myself. I may have criticised myself simply because I believed I should act a certain way because that is how society works. I think I was just too afraid to commit and put it in writing, which I believe was the real reason. So the best option was to wait and do nothing. After all, we are addicted to suffering, and sometimes thinking negatively about ourselves is the better way because it is the safest place to be, right? No, it is over!
We can change this thinking!

So, what changed?

During a visit to my home country, I heard about the book “The Four Agreements” in a bookshop, everyone was talking about it, so I decided to buy it. It inspired me to take a step forward in my self-development journey. After returning from my trip, I experienced additional turbulence that left me somewhat puzzled but after a while, I returned to this book and finally understood. The book changed my thinking, and it was exactly what I needed to close the circle. Then I felt confident enough to make further changes. My brain was rewired. I’m now learning what I truly want and what my truth is. Visiting my homeland also taught me that I can’t deny my own identity, culture, and values. I learned to surround myself with people who share their truths and form genuine friendships. I prefer to remove meaningless relationships.

I’ve also learned that the people I enjoy in my life are flexible and honest. I can no longer have people who think only black or white because it contradicts who I am. I learned about self-compassion and the significance of the word purity. I will continue to do my best to follow these agreements!

What are the 4 agreements?

Don Miguel Ruiz’s book, “The Four Agreements,” offers a powerful code of conduct based on ancient Toltec wisdom. It aims to help individuals achieve personal freedom and true happiness. Here are the four agreements that Ruiz proposes:

1. Be Impeccable with Your Word. Being impeccable with your word means speaking with integrity. It involves saying only what you mean and avoiding negative self-talk or gossip about others. Your words have power, and using them constructively can transform your life and the lives of those around you. This agreement emphasizes the importance of truth and positivity in communication and it can be very challenging!

2. Don’t Take Anything Personally. This agreement encourages us to understand that nothing others do is because of us. People’s actions and words are a reflection of their own reality, their own dreams. When we take things personally, we become easy prey for suffering. By adopting this agreement, we can achieve a state of detachment, allowing us to remain unaffected by others’ opinions and actions.

3. Don’t Make Assumptions. Assumptions can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and unnecessary stress. This agreement advises us to find the courage to ask questions and express what we really want. Clear communication can prevent many of the problems we face in our relationships. By eliminating assumptions, we can foster deeper understanding and connection with others.

4. Always Do Your Best. The final agreement encourages us to always do our best under any circumstance. Your best will vary from moment to moment, depending on your health, energy, and situation. By consistently giving your best, you avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret. This agreement is about effort and sincerity, knowing that you have given your all regardless of the outcome.

Applying your agreements

I made the move and am doing my best to apply it, How about you? Incorporating these four agreements into daily life can be transformative. They provide a great framework for dealing with life’s challenges and fostering personal growth. By being impeccable with your word, not taking things personally, avoiding assumptions, and always doing your best, you can create a life of greater freedom and happiness.

I highly recommend this book! There are other options to get this incredible guide – I suggested it to a friend who preferred to listen to it as an Audio book.

Yours,

Vered