What are The Four Agreements
Getting Hurt will Slow You Down!
Last winter, when I should have been enjoying the great outdoors on the mountain, I injured my knee while working at my day job.
It didn’t seem that bad at the time, but having said that, if I would have been cut in half and rolling around on the ground in a pool of blood, I probably would have been thinking something like this, ” well at least, I only have 2 pieces to put together!”.
My day job was heavy construction, snow on the ground, cold, and lots of wind. This kind of bullet-proof attitude always gets me in trouble. I shake it off, wipe up the blood, drink some water, and get on with my life.
The problem with this way of thinking is that at the time, we’re running on adrenaline, we are surrounded by all our friends, and we are constantly being bombarded with a “never say die”, “keep going”, and “work through the pain” mentality.
Well, I’ll be the first one to admit that I’ve been there, dozens of times and this one, probably won’t be the last. This little pain in my knee, soon grew into a bigger pain that just wouldn’t go away. Finally, I had to get off my knee completely to recuperate.
This I was able to do religiously for all of 7 days. One measly week. After one week of this therapy, I just had to get off the couch and go outdoors. I decided to go walking. After all, walking was easy, I could control my speed and pace, and with time, all would be well again. For the most part, it turned out to be true.
A fact of the matter is that it took me almost 60 days before I could walk and involve myself in other physical activities comfortably without any pain what so ever. From this, I learned an important lesson, but I also increased my “patience quotient” by a factor of ten.
In addition to this newly acquired patience, I got to read a lot, not just e-reading but reading real books made of paper!
One of the books that I read during this period was a book called, ” The Four Agreements “, by Don Miguel Ruiz. In The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz reveals to us, how self-limiting beliefs rob us of happiness and create a world of sadness for us.
The book is based on ancient Toltec wisdom and offers us a means to transform our lives into a new journey of happiness, freedom, and love. Enlightening and easy to read it goes on to describe The Four Agreements.
The Four Agreements
The First Agreement … Be Impeccable with your Word
Speak with Integrity and say only what you mean. Do not speak badly about yourself or gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
The Second Agreement … Don’t Take Anything Personally
What others do is not because of you. It is a projection of their dreams and their reality. When you refuse to accept the actions and the opinions of others you will free yourself of the “victim mentality” and avoid a lot of needless suffering in your life.
The Third Agreement … Don’t Make Assumptions
Be brave enough to ASK questions and firmly state what you really want. Communicate with others clearly to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and DRAMA. This exercise alone can completely transform your life.
The Fourth Agreement … Always Do Your Best
Your best effort will vary from time to time. When you are healthy and when you are sick you are going to produce a different effort, however, simply do your best and you will avoid regret, self-abuse, and self-judgement
In Conclusion
This small paperback contains less than 140 pages, yet it is filled with interesting stories and 4 solid principles to help you find peace, love, and freedom for your daily life. The freedom to be yourself. The only path to true happiness.
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions about this book, The Four Agreements, and its content, please do not hesitate to bring them here so we can clarify any doubts you have about this book and its subject matter.
Thank you, Liz, for stopping by.
The Four Agreements are so universal and accurate that it is often very difficult to choose one over the other.
1) Be Impeccable with your Word
2) Don’t take anything Personally
3) Don’t make Assumptions and
4) Always do your best
I am grateful to you for expressing your choice for a favorite.
I always find it difficult to pick a favorite. I find them all so relevant.
Thanks for bringing #3 to my attention.
Paul
The Four Agreements are powerful principles to live by. My favourite one would probably be Don’t Make Assumptions. We so easily do this-especially around those we love, and it does cause a lot of drama. Also, I think speaking kindly to ourselves is one of the hardest things to do, but so necessary if we are to have more harmonious relationships with others. Thanks for the reminder of this book!
Good Day, William.
I am very happy to hear that you have read this remarkable little book. So small and yet its message is so powerful. The Four Agreements is easy to read and its message simple and powerful. This book has also helped me to deal with difficult people.
I also like the second agreement. Personally, the first agreement was the one that struck the biggest note with me. Like all good books, it should be read more than once.
How did you first come in contact with this book?
Are there similar books that you have read that belong in this league? Thanks.
Paul
I am so glad I read your article on the Four Agreements. I have read that little gem a couple of times and get so much out of it every time I do. It is one of the best books on how to live your life.
I especially relate to the “don’t take things personally” agreement. I often use that principle and tell friends that are suffering for some reason or another that “it’s not about you.” We often take on the guilt of someone else’s problems. That’s such a good agreement to remember.
I like all of them and am so glad you reviewed the book to remind me I need to go read it again.
Thank you for introducing me to this book. Your description makes me want to read this book as soon as possible. I think ‘The Four Agreements’ can help me in my life.
Looks like I have problems with the First and Third Agreement.
Is this book popular? Will I be able to find it in local bookshops and libraries?
Hi, Michael. This is one of the most fascinating books that I have read lately. It is such an easy read that it becomes very hard to put it down. Its message is very simple and to the point.
The Four Agreements are so clearly defined and easy to comprehend that even younger children can benefit from reading it. I’m not quite sure about its general popularity, but it has become very popular on my bookshelf.
I’m sure it is available in bookstores and public libraries.
Check the links in my blog for other options. Don’t pass up this Useful message.
Paul
Hi Cindy, and thanks for dropping by to read my post.
This is a wonderful book and it is very easy to read. Funny thing is that this book has been in my son’s bookcase for ages. He actually introduced me to it. These 4 “agreements” are so easy to understand and make so much sense that they become an easy winner.
Do yourself a favor and grab the book. Very inexpensive and worth every penny. Can be reread over and over again. The simple message of being yourself and doing your best resonates with everyone.
When you do your best – that’s it- You always feel good in this state of mind. Wish I had read it sooner. Give it a read and get back to me. Thanks and by the way my knee he fine now!
Live in the present and everything will be much better.
Paul
Awesome post & awesome review of a book. I will have to check it out. I’ve been disabled for a long time and it’s hard sometimes when I compare myself to what I used to be able to do. I should just be fine with I’ve done the best I can at present. Nice reminder. Oh by the way, how’s your knee?