The Four Agreements

By: Joseph Norman

This week's challenge is courtesy of Don Miguel Ruiz's simple, but profound book, "The Four Agreements." Taken from ancient Toltec traditions, the code of conduct discussed "reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering."

In our daily lives it is easy to get caught in the hustle and bustle, over promise and under deliver, ride the emotional roller coaster of human interaction, and limit ourselves from being the best person we can be. Miguel Ruiz’s insights provide a fantastic frame for our daily activities which can help keep us true to ourselves and others. By acknowledging and living our deep authenticity, we allow ourselves to have better relationships and more fulfilling lives.

Without further adieu, Don Miguel Ruiz’s “Four Agreements” as described in his book!

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.

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 suffering.

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 this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

Always do your best. Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

Take these words to heart throughout your week. You may want to start with the one agreement that resonates with you the most. Focus on it each day and examine the results. Are you feeling more fulfilled? Are your interactions more honest and effective? Are you creating a mindset and environment which helps you be your best? If you can answer, "Yes," to any of these questions, then you are developing a lifestyle which facilitates personal freedom!