In my mid-twenties, I came upon a book by Don Miguel Ruiz titled The Four Agreements. Having just graduated with a Master’s in Social Work from San Diego State, the168-paged book was a lot smaller and concise than the heavy-weighted readers and text-books utilized in my graduate classes. Yet within its pages I found the guidance I needed in a time of uncertainty and transition. Years later I find myself doing my best to live the Four Agreements as best I can and hope to teach them to my friends, loved ones and those interested in learning its teachings.
In summary, The Four Agreements are:
- Be Impeccable With Your Word.
- Don’t Take Anything Personally.
- Don’t Make Assumptions.
- Always Do Your Best.
Sounds simple enough right? Yet we live in a world complicated by an abundance of information (some of which is not always positive and/or uplifting), technology at our fingertips (giving us constant distractions), heightened emotions and unresolved grief, unspoken traumas, and complicated relationships. How might utilizing the four agreements help you today?
Strong Spirit LLC 
Love what u wrote Jenn!
So. to answer your questions I would say:
1) being impeccable with one’s word, is really speaking from your heart of hearts. And, not speaking anything without having attention and respect for the words that come out of our mouths. Words can be holy symbols that express many things. Since each one of us is so unique, if we pay deep attention to our words the world would be a different place, and so would our own psyche. Plus, many times we offer unwanted, undesired, and unasked-for opinions. So, maybe minding our own business could help us all “Be impeccable with our word”.
Statements 2 & 3 can go together for me. Not taking anything personally is easier said than done. But 90%+ of what is said to us it’s not meant in a personal way. It’s the other person’s projections, feelings, insecurities, opinions, etc. These words
are being spoken, but really have little to do with us personally.
I think simply giving everybody a break, realizing we all make mistakes and speak without thinking. Then (re making assumptions), sometimes we think, speak and feel unnecessary, inaccurate, unfounded fallacies about ourselves and others… yep, foolish assumptions.
4) to do our best….
I find in many ways most people do try to do their best. But, it comes down to when we know better, we do better. So, I think it’s beneficial to keep trying, & give ourselves and others a break. Also, to consistently look at the amazing world around us and love, love, love, more, more and more.
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing Saleema. Wise words and beautiful reflection.
LikeLike