The Four Agreements

By Don Miguel Ruiz, 1997

“The Four Agreements” summarize principles for life from ancient Toltec wisdom – one of the indigenous peoples of Mexico. They are principles that are consistent with First Nations teaching as know by those preparing these materials. The agreements are:

Be impeccable with your word (Careful and Honest): 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.

Don’t take Anything Personally: Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a protection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinion of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

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.

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.

One additional ‘agreement’ not in the book:

Take Your Responsibility and only yours: Take responsibility for what is truly yours, including mistakes. Don’t blame others but allow them to take ownership of their responsibilities.