 The Four Agreements are: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic everyone in the world has been thrown into chaos, and whether we like it or not we now have the opportunity to tackle some of those tasks that we seem to “never have enough time for”. A phrase that we soon realize was a lie and in fact we always had the time, we just lacked commitment or motivation to complete. Harsh words? Maybe. However, this is not the point of today’s review. As I mentioned in my first book review “The Chimp Paradox”, one of my New Year’s resolutions was to attempt to read a book every week. (UPDATE: I have more or less succeeded, this is of course, depending on how you define success.) Of those books I have read I have chosen to highlight The Four Agreements, a book that will hopefully help whoever is currently in the midst of a self-reflection or self-improvement mission. The book was recommended by one of my co-workers after a discussion regarding some of the pitfalls most individuals’ have regarding their relationship with “self”. He briefly handed me the book to skim through and I quickly noticed some areas that I definitely need a gentle reminder on. In The Four Agreements, don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love. One of the shortest of the books I have read thus far, The Four Agreements dives into the spiritual knowledge of the Toltec naguals and the applications to use such knowledge in everyday life events. Some of the knowledge revealed in the book has similarities with Christianity, and in some ways with the concept of Karma, which is an interesting blend. The book consists of seven chapters, however it packs some powerful content in such few pages. For example, one of the four agreements is: Do Not Take Anything Personally, something that made me reflect on how many times I may have taken things personally. [Never, I am awesome.] If one genuinely reflects on the events that occur in their life, how many times do we take things personally? I estimated I take things personally more times than I realized and more times than I would like to admit. The issue with this, as don Miguel mentions in the book is the amount of distress that weighs down on someone. My interpretation of such distress is like having serious emotional baggage for the soul. Which leads me to another agreement that struck a chord with me. Don’t Make Assumptions. A statement so bold it might as well have its own type font. How many times have we made assumptions? How many times have you assumed your partner would take out the rubbish? You leave the house for the day, come back and find the rubbish still there? We all make assumptions. The assumption that whomever we speak to, will uphold their word in a promise they have made to us. The assumption that our friend will have our back until the end of time. Assumption is synonymous with expectation and expectations are a dangerous thing. Dangerous because, as Mathew Hussey says, “…People don’t break your heart; they break your expectations.” No truer words. Don Miguel Ruiz is a renowned spiritual teacher and internationally bestselling author. He has spent the past three decades guiding people to personal freedom through his profound insights regarding the nature of human reality. In summary the book uses brief chapters to highlight the four [in my opinion] basic principles of being human, peppered with examples of stories from the Toltec traditions, which help exemplify such principles.
There is a forewarning, I do read any “religious or spiritual” book, as I am a firm believer that there are possible hidden gems inside such books. If you are an individual who disagrees with this concept, then perhaps this book isn’t for you. Thus far, in some way every book I have read has brought me closer to the self-development/awareness I am trying to achieve throughout this chaotic year. A journey that brings me to a point I believe Dr. Eric Thomas once made: "Read the books for the season of your life." Not sure if that was his exact quote if I am honest, as I can’t remember which video I heard it on. Nonetheless, my current season may be completely different from your season. However, I share this with you in case for whatever reason you are currently, or in the near future passing through this season in your life. Enjoy! To find out more about Don Miguel Ruiz visit his website or click here to buy the book. #FourAgreements #SundayReads #BookReview #WildIsadora #Isadoraland This article is not sponsored by the author nor does it reflect the views of the author or represents the author in anyway. All effort has been made by the writer for the authenticity of the information herein about the author's publication. For up to date information, please click on the author's website.
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