Most of us have heard of the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, but there is now a fifth agreement. While I was away, on a business trip, I ventured into a cool little shop and saw the new book. It didn’t take long for me to realize I had to purchase and re-read it. I have given over a dozen of these books away – it’s one of those ones you want to share with others.
The four agreements have been printed up and pinned to my fridge for years now. The words are pertinent and wise and help me live a life with less stress and heartache. It delves deep into the troubles many of us experience in our day-to-day lives. This is one of those “must reads”! I love how side trips into little shops guide you to something you may need. I hope you enjoy my summary of the agreements. Perhaps on your next book shop trip, you’ll purchase it. For those that have it, perhaps it’s a little nudge to open it up again.
The First Agreement – BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD
Speak with integrity and 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.
The Second Agreement – 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.
The Third Agreement – DON’T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS
Find the courage to ask questions and 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.
The Fourth Agreement – ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST
Doing your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are tired as opposed to well rested. Under any circumstance, simply do your best and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.
The Fifth Agreement – BE SKEPTICAL, BUT LEARN TO LISTEN
Don’t believe yourself or anybody else unconditionally. Use the power of doubt to question everything you hear: Is it really the truth? Listen to the intent behind the words and you will understand the real message.
“By practicing the Five Agreements, what you are really doing is respecting everything in creation. You are respecting your dream; you are respecting everybody else’s dream. If you use these tools, your effort is really for everyone, because your joy, your happiness, your peace, and your heaven are contagious. When you are happy, the people around you are happy too, and it inspires them to change their own world.” – Don Miguel Ruiz
