The Four Agreements is a self-help book written by Don Miguel Ruiz, a Toltec spiritual teacher and shaman. The book has become a bestseller and has been translated into dozens of languages, inspiring millions of people around the world to transform their lives and achieve greater happiness and fulfillment.
In The Four Agreements, Ruiz presents a simple yet powerful set of principles that can help us overcome the negative patterns of thought and behavior that keep us stuck in suffering and dissatisfaction. These principles are known as the Four Agreements, and they are as follows:
- Be impeccable with your word.
The first agreement is to speak with honesty, integrity, and kindness, and to avoid using your words to manipulate, deceive, or harm others. This means not gossiping, lying, or using harsh or judgmental language. It also means taking responsibility for your own thoughts, feelings, and actions, and not blaming others for your problems.
- Don’t take anything personally.
The second agreement is to let go of the ego’s need to be right and to resist the temptation to take things personally. This means not taking other people’s opinions, actions, or words as a reflection of your own worth or value. It also means not getting caught up in the drama or negativity of other people, and instead remaining centered and grounded in your own truth.
- Don’t make assumptions.
The third agreement is to communicate clearly and openly, and to avoid making assumptions about what other people are thinking or feeling. This means asking for clarification when you don’t understand something, and expressing your own needs and boundaries clearly and assertively. It also means being open to the possibility that you may be wrong, and being willing to listen to other perspectives with an open mind.
- Always do your best.
The fourth agreement is to do your best in every moment, no matter what the circumstances may be. This means giving your best effort, regardless of whether you feel motivated or inspired, and not letting setbacks or challenges deter you from your goals. It also means accepting that you are human and that mistakes are inevitable, and using them as opportunities for learning and growth.
The Four Agreements offer a simple yet profound way to transform our lives and relationships, and to live with greater peace, happiness, and fulfillment. By committing to these agreements and living by them every day, we can overcome the negative patterns of thought and behavior that keep us stuck in suffering and dissatisfaction, and instead embrace a life of joy, love, and abundance.
