5' - The Four Agreements

This text is an excerpt from The Four Agreements, a self-help book by don Miguel Ruiz. It is based on Toltec wisdom, which focuses on personal freedom and self-mastery. The book presents four agreements, or principles, that, when practiced, can help readers escape from a dream of suffering and create a dream of heaven on earth. The first agreement is to be impeccable with one's word, meaning to use it thoughtfully and constructively. The second agreement is not to take anything personally, because it is not about you, but rather about the person saying or doing it. The third agreement is not to make assumptions, which can lead to misunderstandings and emotional distress. Finally, the fourth agreement is always to do your best, regardless of the circumstances. The book goes on to explain the Toltec path to freedom, which includes breaking old, fear-based agreements and adopting new, empowering agreements. It also describes the concept of the “initiation of the dead,” which is a symbolic death of the old, domesticated self, leading to a resurrection of one's true self. The author then explains the concept of the “new dream,” which is a dream of heaven on earth, a place of joy, freedom, and love.