I recently was lucky enough to attend a workshop with my friend Claudia. This workshop was taught by don Miguel Ruiz and his sons author of "The 4 Agreements". Years ago, I was introduced to this book  and it's philosophy has resonated with me so much I have read and listened to the book several times. 

 

The "4 Agreements"spent eight years on the New York Times bestseller list, selling over six million copies. 

It explains four guiding principles to live by:   

 

1) Be impeccable with your word.

2) Don't take anything personally.

3) Don't make assumptions.

4) Always do your best.

 Here are a few things that I took from the book and workshop.

It taught me that we are domesticated at a young age and it leaves us living by a set of rules/beliefs we really haven't chosen for ourselves.This may affect your perception of yourself and others.

 

Another point was why we should not take things personally. This agreement makes you aware that what people say and do to you reflects their perception not you.  It is important to know who you are, and that everyone is living in their own reality and it will help you to not take things personally. 

 

The hard part of these teachings  that I question myself on is to determine which old agreement or beliefs I still living by and which beliefs are of my choosing.  It is hard to filter out those old automatic responses and thoughts.

 

This weekend reminded me to pay attention and notice the beliefs I have. What do they do? Are they based on fear and make me unhappy, are they only perceptions of others that I take for the truth? It's time to reevaluate and pick these apart these beliefs and only live with new ones I choose.

My final take away from these teachings is that I am on a  quest for personal freedom...freedom from illusions and perceptions based only on beliefs in my mind. It is with personal freedom that we are free of the human conditions of emotional suffering. Spiritual traditions around the world have their own names for this state of awareness including nirvana and heaven. It is a state that is simply described as living your life with unconditional love, gratitude, and respect, for yourself, and for others.

 

I believe that as my life becomes more congruent with the 4 Agreements, it will help guide me to live life with more integrity, happiness, success and fulfillment and thus enable me to follow my true self doing what I love.

I wish you much Love, Joy, and Laughter in your life journey,

Christie