the four agreements, revisited

I was reminded tonight by a dear friend to review the book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.
If you've never read it, it's worth the time and money (IMHO).

The Four Agreements®

1. 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.

2. 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.

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

4. 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-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

And with serendipitous timing, Agreement #2 came in handy tonight when a new acquaintance read my blog then sent me an email telling me how I am self-centered and grandiose; that it was a complete waste of her time. She  couldn't understand how I could be so self-centered -- which is what that last blog post was about (well, neither could I!)

I'm realizing that I'm NOT immune to the opinions of others, and that her harsh words had the power to silence me. I almost wanted to go back and delete that post! But Don Miguel Ruiz reminds us that the word is the most powerful tool we humans have. Not everyone is going to appreciate what I have to say, but I know that telling my truths will set me free.

Thanks for being here. Wishing you peace on the path.

Comments

[Brian Monahan, Expert in the Rough]

It's been awhile since I read the four agreements but it needs to be updated for the blogosphere I am sure.

FYI, just the idea of writing a blog is a bit self centered and grandiose. You are a probably some kind of sicko narcissistic I bet.

I love that about you :)

Enough about you!

Now what do you think about me?

Brian

[patty@joinmeonthepath]

Brian,
LOL ... thanks for your comments. I get it that having a blog IS self-centered, but for me it’s such a healthy way to channel that energy. Love you lots!