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“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 Miguel Ruiz
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is a practical guide to achieving personal freedom and peace, rooted in ancient Toltec wisdom. Ruiz presents four transformative principles, or “agreements,” that can lead to a more fulfilled life by breaking self-limiting beliefs and patterns of suffering. The book encourages readers to adopt these agreements to transcend fear and experience love and happiness.
1. Be Impeccable with Your Word: This first agreement emphasizes the power of language. Ruiz argues that words are a creative force that can either build or destroy. Being impeccable with your word means speaking with integrity, avoiding gossip or negative self-talk, and using words in the direction of truth and love. This agreement is the foundation for creating positive change within yourself and your relationships.
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally: The second agreement teaches that nothing others do is because of you; it reflects their reality and experiences. Ruiz suggests that taking things personally leads to unnecessary suffering. By realizing that other people’s actions are based on their perceptions, you can avoid feeling offended or reacting emotionally to external judgments or behaviors.
3. Don’t Make Assumptions: This agreement focuses on the danger of making assumptions in relationships and daily life. Ruiz advises that assumptions often lead to misunderstandings and conflicts because we tend to believe they are true without verification. Instead, he encourages clear communication and the courage to ask questions to avoid misinterpretations and false expectations.
4. Always Do Your Best: The final agreement underscores the importance of doing your best in every circumstance. Ruiz explains that “your best” will vary depending on your energy, health, and situation, but striving to give your best effort prevents self-judgment, regret, and burnout. This principle promotes a consistent pursuit of growth and fulfillment, leading to inner peace.
The Four Agreements provides a simple but profound framework for breaking free from limiting beliefs and emotional patterns. By following these agreements, Ruiz believes individuals can free themselves from self-imposed suffering, foster healthier relationships, and live a life of greater freedom, love, and happiness.
