Wednesday, January 14, 2009

9 - The Four Agreements; Don Miguel Ruiz

The Four Agreements, based on ancient Toltec wisdom, is a powerful little book aimed at self-improvement and self-discovery. Don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering.

These agreements are pretty simplistic:

  • 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.
I thought the book was very good; it gives the reader a lot to think about. I was left with a clear message: by ridding ourselves of negative thoughts and influences, we will find more peace and happiness in our lives.

RATING - 5/5 - COMPLETED - 01/13/09
WHERE FROM - My Stacks

5 comments:

  1. This sounds like a marvelous book! I'm going to get a copy, thanks to you!
    :)

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  2. These agreements sound simple enough but I think they are harder to actually practice.

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  3. It's okay Diane about the challenge, don't worry about it. As long as you finish by June 30th, it's all that matters. And i liked your choice of book so it would be a shame.

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  4. This isn't the type of book I usually read, but these four agreements sound like they could be transformative if put into practice.

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  5. Those are very good points. I think I may have to give this book a try. Thanks for the great review!

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