The Four Agreements - Don Miguel Ruiz

Don Miguel Ruiz is known as a nagual, or shaman, of the Toltec tradition. The Toltecs were an ancient group of scientists and artists that was formed to explore and preserve the practices and spiritual knowledge of the ancient ones. It is not a religion, but a way of life that embraces spirit and honors all the spiritual masters who have taught on the earth. Toltec wisdom arises from the same essential unity of truth as other sacred esoteric traditions that are found all over the world.

Everything we do is based on agreements we have made. In these agreements we tell ourselves who we are, what everyone else is, how to act, what is possible, and what is impossible. What we have agreed to believe creates what we experience. When these agreements come from fear, blocks and obstacles develop keeping us from realizing our greatest potential.

Based on ancient Toltec wisdom ,the Four Agreements are very simple, but very profound. To embrace and live each of the Four Agreements is to find yourself experiencing personal freedom--possibly as never before. The Four Agreements are:

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-judgement, self-abuse, and regret.

Sun is Up Again

I would like to thank my friends for helping me to come out of the tunnel. The sun is coming out again in my life. I am getting back in control of my emotions, my family, my career. Though there are no positive feedbacks yet from the resumes I've churned, I am just so goddamn content at the moment.

Things will get better. I am slowly resurfacing from the muck. I am now making plans. So starting tomorrow:

1. I will wake up early, sip my tea and go jogging or perhaps do a turbo jam workout.
2. I will keep myself busy by reading (books that I've bought but never been read). I will have read at least 2 good books a month.
3. I will take a creative writing course as well.
4. I'm going back to journaling to rediscover my authentic self.
5. I'm going to take advantage of my free time for my family.

I am not a much of a planner, but it makes me feel good. It gives me something to focus on. It keeps me from sitting in front of the TV saying "hey get up and move!"

Now, as I look around I feel my life is full and brimming. I now notice small miracles, a friend's comforting words, my fluffy pillow, a child's sweet embrace, and a lot more. Thank you God for blessing me.

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