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| Jadyn Noelle Photography |
Today I am reminded of a book that I read several years ago: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I absolutely love the four agreements:
1. Be impeccable with your words. Speak the truth in love. Say exactly what you mean. Speak positively about yourself and others (don't gossip). Your words have power. Direct them appropriately for you will live in the reality of the words you speak.
2. Don't take anything personally. The actions of others has nothing to do with you. Every individual is personally responsible for that which they are projecting. We experience unnecessary suffering when we believe the lie that so-and-so did such-and-such because of me. Nope. So-and-so did such-and-such because so-and-so decided to do such-and-such.
3. Don't make assumptions. Be courageous. Ask questions. Seek clarity. Speak clearly. Bypass the drama. This agreement alone can change the world.
4. Always do your best. Knowing that your best will vary from day to day based upon the dynamics of life, simply agree to give your best effort. No judgement. No condemnation. All inner peace. Bring it (your best effort)*. Everyday. Do your best and forget the rest*!
I purpose to live my life in a manner that reflects these ideals so it's nice to have a lil' refresher today. While I don't always get it right, I do keep trying and this is part of the growth process. Along the road to authentic living, I have found that in order to establish healthy agreements (like the ones above) I had to break a few several unhealthy agreements first. I've also realized that some folks didn't appreciate it when I stopped reading from the script and started making another movie altogether.
(Bless their hearts...)
Right about that time I (thankfully!) remembered agreement number two... nothing that others do has a thing to do with me. Instant release.
What are your thoughts about these four agreements?
Do you by live them? Why or why not?
*(Shout out to Tony Horton in P90X)
I love this. I've had a copy of these inside my notebook for about 7 years. I have always struggled with number 2 & 3. It is a constant journey. Some days I do better than others.
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting, Ginger! Working those same agreements has been an ongoing journey for me too. Still got a ways to go, but so grateful that I'm not where I used to be! Lovelovelove 2u! Thank you for the support! :D
ReplyDeleteHave not heard of these before... I am interested in the book...I will put it on the list of to read...unfortunately I average about 1-2 books a year... ha ha...so maybe I will get to it in 2015. Wow, what a freeing life if these were implemented.
ReplyDelete"what a freeing life..." I couldn't agree more, Kyna! :D
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