The Wisdom of the Ancient Toltec
Hundreds of years ago the Toltecs were a society of artisans and scientists that used to live in the southern region of Mexico and parts of central America.
Their knowledge was passed on through generations of Shamans and healers, among those, Don Miguel Ruiz. In his book “The Four Agreements”, he gives us four powerful agreements we make with ourselves, to transform our life.
Toltec teachings share the same idea of unity, as most sacred spiritual traditions around the world. The real us, our essence, is “Pure love, pure light”.
The Four Agreements Explained
Agreement #1: Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using words to speak against yourself or others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
I find it appropriate to add here an excerpt from the ancient Kabbalah teachings:
Resist the desire to gossip and speak bad about others. In a way, gossiping about others means to assassinate their character. Changing the conversation is therefore the equivalent of saving someone’s life.
Agreement #2: Don’t Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say or do is a projection of their own reality. If we manage to build some kind of immunity (a little at least), to the opinions and actions of others, we’ll get rid of a lot of unnecessary suffering.
For instance; practice the following exercise: Remove the “at/to me” in the following sentences:
- “He yelled at me”; becomes “He yelled”.
- “He lied to me”; becomes “He lied”.
- “He was rude to me”; becomes “He was rude” etc., etc., etc.
Remember always that everyone is in their own personal “movie”!
Agreement #3: Don’t Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask the questions you need to ask and express what you really want.
Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama.
Agreement #4: Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy than when you are sick. Simply try to do your best at all times.
The Choice Is All Ours
If we were to practice, or at least “try” to practice, these agreements on a regular basis, imagine how relaxed and placid our life would be!
Nurturing your mind with proactive agreements not only will transform your life, but it will also radiate out and touch the lives of all those around you…
