Savvy Saturday Session - "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz

Did you know that the National WCR website has a list of books that would make great reading? I discoved this treasure trove when I was the local chapter president. As a prolific reader, I decided to try out a few and found some real gems.

One of the first books I read from the list was The Four Agreements by Don Migue Ruiz, a shamanic teacher and healer who presents a simple yet effective code of personal conduct learned from his Toltec ancestors in Mexico.


As a young school girl living in Mexico City, at story time we heard about the ancient cultures and myths. The pyramids outside Mexico City were the residence of the Toltecs, an ancient group of scientists and artists that was formed to explore and preserve the practices and spiritual knowledge of the ancient ones.

Ruiz was born into a Mexican family of traditional healers, became a surgeon in adulthood, then underwent a near-death experience that made his reexamine his life, his beliefs, Ruiz’s teachings focus on dreams and visions. “Dreaming” Ruiz argues, “is the main function of the mind. A series of four “agreements” are detailed, which make up a larger picture of unconditional human faith.

Be Impeccable With Your Word: 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 projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions 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. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.


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.