Monday 29 March 2010

The Four Agreements

On 20 March I posted Blogging As A Reason For Living and mentioned a blog entitled The Last Visible Dog.   I have been reading the blog backwards to see what other gems I could find.  I’ve not been disappointed.  Yesterday I came across The Four Agreements on that blog and, with Katherine’s permission am repeating them here (with my own photo).  I, for one, could really benefit from adopting them although, to be fair to myself, I’d like to think that I’m reasonably ok so far as the first one is concerned.

After all, even though we may never be able to sit on top of the post, we should not stop trying:

DSC02440 

1.  Be impeccable with your word and deed.
Speak and behave with integrity.  Say only what you mean.  Avoid using words to speak against yourself or to gossip about others.  Use the power of your word and deed in the direction of truth and love.

2.  Don't take things so personally.
Most of what others do isn't because of you.  What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dreams and hopes.  When you don't mind the opinions and actions of others, you won't suffer needlessly.

3.  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 this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4.  Do your best.
Even in small day-to-day tasks.  Remember however, that your best is going to change from moment to moment.  It will be different when you are tired or ill than when you are rested or healthy.  Under any circumstances simply do your best and you will avoid self-judgement, self-abuse and regret. 

8 comments:

  1. Most definitely, words of wisdom.

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  2. GB, I have heard about the Four Agreements for years now, and never took the time to find out what they were.
    Even just these four, what a life changing path this would bring, right?
    Thank you, and Katherine!

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  3. Hate to tell you, but you're wasting your time. You don't need to learn any of those things! Thanks for sharing them though, there are many of us out here who would do well to remember them.

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  4. From what I've seen (read) so far, you seem to have been practising not only the first but all four, long before you came across that summary.

    Shabbygirl's comment made me curious so I googled and found the origin. Author Don Miguel Ruiz, Mexico.

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  5. Thanks Pauline and Monica for your kind comments (says he blushing).

    Thanks Monica for the reference. Interesting. I never thought to Google it.

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  6. Google is your friend, GB.

    I struggle with No. 2. I'm working on that line between wanting to help people and caring too much about them and their opinions...

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  7. I love the idea of your best changing from moment to moment - I'd never really thought of that before but can fully endorse it.

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  8. I think those agreements are very fine words, and perhaps ought to replace some of the Ten Commandments!

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