Don Miguel Ruiz is a Toltec master who reminds us humans are conditioned to think and act based on systems of reward and punishment, external approval and rejection.
To move beyond the image of perfection we create and imagine is out of reach, that causes us to reject ourselves and judge others, Ruiz invites us to make four agreements within ourselves. How many resonate with you? Why encourage new self-awareness?
1) Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using words against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in directions of truth and love. How often do you diverge? Where does this path take you?
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 dreams. 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 agreement, you can completely transform your life.
4) Always do your best. Your best will 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-judgement, self-abuse and regret.