Exploring “The Four Agreements”
I am an avid reader, and every once in awhile I feel compelled to pull one of my oldies but goodies and give it another read.
Interestingly, during a meditation a few days ago, such a book crossed my path, and it seemed important that I read it again. Over time, I had gained a new understanding of some of the languaging in the book, and I decided then and there to share it with you, my readers.
This week we will be talking about The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Don Miguel is from the Toltec tradition, but no matter your spiritual beliefs, I believe you can find benefit from his teachings.
In the opening chapter, he speaks of the domestication of humans. My understanding of this concept is that we were taught at a young age to pay attention, and in so doing we learned what was expected of us: what to believe, how to act, what language to speak. We had no real say-so in the matter, so we agreed. We were trained to follow the established rules by way of a rewards-punishment system. Over time, we exhibited the ‘proper’ behaviors without thinking about. We made many such agreements and became domesticated.
There are thousands of agreements you have made with yourself, with othe people, with your dream of life, with God, with society, with your parents, with our spouse, with our children. but the most important agreements are the ones you made with yourself. In these agreements you tell yourself who you are, what you feel, what you believe, and how to behave. The result is what you call your personality.
Often times, we reach a point in life where we begin to question those beliefs which were instilled in us for so many years. Even the thought of defying the norm brings a tremble of fear deep inside, so it takes great courage to step out and challenge an accepted truth and release an agreement you made years ago. Fear is a powerful entity.
If the agreements you have adopted keep you living in a state of fear, change your agreements. Don Miguel offers four such agreements, which promise, if you keep them, to transform your life. They are:
- Be impeccable with your word
- Don’t take anything personally
- Don’t make assumptions
- Always do your best
We will discuss these in order, starting tomorrow.
What agreements have you made which no longer serve you?
Toward transformation,
Steph Marks
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Have you read The Four Agreements? What was your experience with the book? Feel free to share comments below.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –