The 4 Agreements

LOS CUATRO ACUERDOS: UN LIBRO DE SABIDURÍA TOLTECA

Don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and
create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements
offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new
experience of freedom, true happiness, and love.

Be Impeccable With Your Word: While this agreement is the most important, it is the
most difficult one to honor. The word impeccable comes from the Latin word peccatus
meaning “sin”, and the “im” in the beginning of impeccable is the Latin prefix that means
“without”. Ruiz describes a sin to be anything that goes against oneself, and therefore
being impeccable with language means to take responsibility for one’s actions and remain
without judgment against oneself and others. Focus on the significance of speaking with
integrity and carefully choosing words before saying them aloud.

Don’t Take Anything Personally: The second agreement provides readers with a way to
deal with hurtful treatment from others that they may experience in life. It advocates the
importance of having a strong sense of self and not needing to rely on the opinions of
others in order to be content and satisfied with their self-image. This agreement also
allows us to understand that each individual has a unique worldview that alters their own
perceptions, and that the actions and beliefs of a person is a projection of their own
personal reality. Anger, jealousy, envy, and even sadness can lessen or dissipate once we
stops taking things personally.

Don’t Make Assumptions: The third agreement describes the issue of making
assumptions, how it leads to suffering, and why individuals should not partake in making
them. When one assumes what others are thinking, it can create stress and interpersonal
conflict because the person believes their assumption is a representation of the truth. A
solution to overcoming the act of making an assumption is to ask questions and ensure
that the communication is clear between the persons involved. Individuals can avoid
misunderstandings, sadness, and drama by not making assumptions.

Always Do Your Best: The fourth agreement allows readers to have better insight into
achieving progress towards their goals in life. This agreement entails integrating the first
three agreements into daily life and also living to one’s full potential. It involves doing the
best that one can individually manage, which varies from the different situations and
circumstances that the individual may encounter. If one does their best in any given
moment, they will be able to avoid self-judgment and regret. By incorporating the first
three agreements and doing the best they can in all facets of life, individuals will be able
to live a life free from sorrow and self-ridicule.

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