The Four Agreements.
This came to me early this morning at 5.30 am to be exact.
This book on personal growth based on ancient Toltec wisdom, written by Don Miguel Ruiz was published in 1997.
It was on my list of spiritual or self-help books since 1999 when my journey into self began. I have acquired many books since but this one somehow eluded me. Until this morning when I awoke in bed, giving thanks for being able to wake and feel my limbs intact and mobile. It came in the form of an audio book so I promptly dived into it and barely into the first chapter, I found it warranted my full attention. So I got out of bed, went into the living room, sat in my reading chair and braced myself for over an hour of pure truths.
It has often been said that, the book finds you and not the other way around. I couldn't agree more and I am revelling in that saying. Better late than never. what's even better, this came at the crack of dawn on your birthday Jon.
In the days leading up to this one, one gets to ponder on exquisite questions like; what topics of discussion would we be indulging in? Or what advise would we be inspiring each other with?
Well, I need to ponder no more. The answers came to me fast and hard at the dawn of today.
As a reminder to self, here's a quick summary of the gift of The Four Agreements;
The backdrop is about limiting beliefs that we all have been "domesticated" since childhood that robs us of joy and create needless suffering.
To break the centuries old conditioning, we can practice three skills to free ourselves against 'domestication'
1. Awareness- Practice meditation and mindfulness.
2. Forgiveness- Awareness brings forgiveness
3. Action- From forgiveness we will receive the strength to act.
Then to break all our previous self-limiting agreements, start these new Four Agreements and completely change our lives:
First : "Be Impeccable with your word."
Say only the truth and only what you mean. first to yourself and to others.
Second: "Don't take anything personally."
Understand that others words are the product of their own domesticated lives.
Third: "Don't make assumptions"
Be brave to ask questions.
Fourth: " Always do your best"
Your best will change from moment to moment.
Come to think of it, you are the embodiment of the Four Agreements above, don't you think?
I am enjoying the present, moment to moment.
Thank you Jon. Happy Birthday.
Au Revoir.
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