Free Essay

The Four Agreements

In:

Submitted By donnelljones
Words 859
Pages 4
THE FOUR AGREEMENTS

The Four Agreements, by author Don Miguel Ruiz, is a practical guide to self freedom, a brilliant book about letting go of the artificial identification. He defines the life that we are living as nothing more than a dream which we have full control over but fail to realize and take advantage of it.

Don Ruiz used the Toltec Wisdom of his ancestors to provide readers with a vigorous understanding on how each person as individuals possess the power within us to successfully manage our life to experience self-happiness, which many people fragilely wish to achieve. Mr. Ruiz explains the importance of reprogramming our belief system to develop an innovative world for ourselves that consist of an intelligent perspective of our environment plus existence. In the opening chapter, Don Ruiz captures the audience by referencing to domestication and the dream of our planet where he explains how the life we are living is nothing more than a dream world which we have been manipulated to believe is authentic and unchangeable. In the book, an agreement is deemed as absolute truth which we must honor. There are thousands of agreements we have in life, from the agreement that the sky is blue and water is wet.

Readers are introduced, by Don Ruiz, with four agreements which he states are life changing if people implement them in their everyday lives. The four agreements are designed to reinforce each other and they are;

Be impeccable with your word
Speaking with integrity and only say what you truly mean. Instead of using the word as a tool to gossip about other people, focus more on truth and love let your word provide that for others plus yourself.

Don’t take anything personally
Stop believing people do things because of you. People say and behavior based on their projection of their own reality, their own dream. Once you learn how to stop taking things personally you’ll stop being the victim of needless suffering, and people opinions’ will only make you stronger.

Don’t make assumptions
Have a clear line of communication with others to avoid any misleading information that may be shared. If something is not understood then ask questions plus express what you truly want. Out of the four agreements this one can transform your life immediately.

Always do your best
Always gives 110 percentage of your effort regardless of the situation. Never allow the opportunity for self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret to enter your heart because if you give your all then in the long run you’ll feel more comfortable with yourself no matter the end result.
The first agreement is about the power of our words (Though clear before you talk) and the reason we have to hold them at the highest standards. Next, Mr. Ruiz further explains that we are in full control of our lives which is why we don’t have to take things personal, and others can’t affect us, only if we permit their thoughts, words and behavior to enter our world. The third agreement, use communication to get the truth instead of making the mistake of assuming which may led to misunderstanding. Finally, the last agreement is regarding the best you can do which you should always do, you best no matter the circumstances. It will increase your self-efficiency.
In the last two chapters of the book he focuses on how to unleash from fear and doubt by implementing the teachings to our lives. Then, a variety of techniques are presented to use which were culture to the ancient Toltec’s plus how different cultures globally use similar teachings.

The life changing tactics presented by Don Ruiz are achievable and useful. The Four Agreements is not a religious book that you have to follow rigorously to reach enlightenment instead it is a stimulating read which may spark the quest to self discovery. One of my favorite quotes from the book is “Death is not the biggest fear we have; our biggest fear is taking the risk to be alive – the risk to be alive and express what we really are...” The statement and I have some history which is why I appreciate it so dearly. During my college days at Virginia State University my Professor Ms. Arzu stated that exact quote a few times while class was in session. She would say little quotes to motivate students to perform at their best not just in her class but in life as well.

The book is an easy read with a total of 139 pages but it is well worth the experience. It helped provide a different perspective of life plus taught me a variety of tactics to approach and overcome difficult challenges. Also, Mr. Ruiz expressed the need to celebrate death and enjoy life to the max but in the conscious mind state.

THE FOUR AGREEMENTS

References

Ruiz, D. M (1997) The Four Agreements: A practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book).
“Death is not the biggest fear we have; our biggest fear is taking the risk to be alive – the risk to be alive and express what we really are...”

Similar Documents

Free Essay

The Four Agreements

...not be concerned about the future; keep your attention on today, and stay in the present moment. Just live one day at a time. Always do your best to keep these agreements, and soon it will be easy for you. Today is the beginning of a new dream.” This statement by Don Miguel Ruiz is probably one of my new favorite quotes. Mainly because it is relatable to everyone. The Four Agreements is a guide for those who are seeking a development in their personal life. The book was written by, Don Miguel Ruiz, and he got his ideas from the ancient Toltec wisdom of the Natives of Southern Mexico. The Toltec people were known to be very knowledgeable artists and scientist. They made a society to explore and conserve the traditional spiritual knowledge and practices of their ancestors. Don Miguel Ruiz was brought up in rural Mexico. He was expected to follow his Toltec ways by his mother who was a Toltec faith healer, and grandfather who was a Toltec ‘nagual’, a shaman. Despite this, Don Miguel decided to pursue an orthodox education, which allowed him to be authorized to practice for several years as a surgeon. He first studied the Toltec ways in profundity, and then healing, teaching, lecturing and writing during the following two decades. It was then in 1997 when he published The Four Agreements. (Miguel Ruiz) The Four Agreements: Be impeccable with your word: Speak with Integrity and say only what you mean, and mean what you say and be responsible for your actions. Try not to use the...

Words: 1300 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Analysis Of The Four Agreements By Don Miguel Ruiz

...political movements usually unite under the design of freedom. Many campaigns, wars, and conflicts have been driven by the acquisition for freedom. Politicians running for office are most likely to label themselves as defenders of freedom. When politicians accuse opponents of wanting to eliminate our freedom it is the same as telling the American people that they want to pry infants from their mothers’ arms and throw them to the wolves; the same way the politicians are throwing their opponents to the wolves. Americans have been domesticated to believe that we are a country built on the great idea of freedom, is this true or is this just what we have been told all our lives so we instantly believe it? Don Miguel Ruiz, author of The Four Agreements, argues that we are domesticated from the day we are born. We are constantly being told how to live our lives instead of given a choice to decide for ourselves. Through the repetition of our parents, schools, and religion we are constantly being reminded of society’s rules, beliefs, laws, religions, governments, schools, social events, holidays, and different cultures and ways to be (Ruiz 5). By manipulating our attention we learn how to behave in society and are never given the opportunity to choose what to believe or what not to believe on our own. We don’t even choose our own names. We just agree with the information that is forced upon us by those around us which leads to the domestication of humans and teaches us how to live our...

Words: 2492 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Nt1110

...Travon Gaines English A FYE- 6099 12 November 2014 Lifetime Agreements Don Miguel Ruiz novel The Four Agreements is about applying four agreements to your life and discovering the true meaning of life while learning how to find freedom, true happiness, and love. This author explains how one should live their life by the four agreements and life will become easier. Living by these agreements I learn to look at situations a different way which helps in a certain aspect of making life easier. Ruiz lived by these four agreements and shared them to help others seek a better life. The four agreements are a new way of living life. Out of all the agreements the three that I focus on the most in my life are to don’t make assumptions, don’t take anything personally, and to always do your best so that I can live an enjoyable and worry free life. The agreement to not make assumptions is a significant agreement that Ruiz talked about because to me it means that you should never judged a book by its cover. “The big mitote in the human mind creates a lot of chaos which causes us to misinterpret everything and misunderstand everything”(Ruiz 65). In our brains we make assumptions because we need to satisfy our need to imply what we think happened or what we think we heard or saw and run with that. If I learn not to make assumptions then that will help me stop worry and not think about the negative thoughts that would cloud my brain rather than the positive thoughts that I should...

Words: 832 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Business Contracts

...American Intercontinental University Contracts BUS 310-1101B-10 Instructor Dunn Latonya Vereeen ABSTRACT In the following paper will discuss the four essential elements of a valid contract. Also included is the objective theory of a contract and how it applies to the scenario that was given. Furthermore, an explanation will be given why the court in the scenario held that there was not a valid agreement. In further discussion explains if advertisements are considered offers. Last but not least, an explanation will be given on how the scenario case differs from a reward situation in which a unilateral contract is formed upon completion of the requested act. In order to know what a valid contract is one must know what a contract is. According to Legal Help Right Now (2008) a contract is legal binding agreement between two parties that states terms and conditions that will protect all parties of interest. A contract can be in writing, orally, inference or conduct, or a combination of all four (M R Curd Limited, 2004). Now that we are familiar with what a contract is, it is important to know what the four essential elements that forms the outline of a contract. These elements are an offer, acceptance, intention of consequences, and the consideration (Small Business, 2010).The first element of a contract is the offer. According to Smithies (2007) an offer is an expression of willingness to contract on a specific set of terms, made by the offeror with the intention that...

Words: 1127 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

You Are the Arbitrator – Refusing to Arbitrate

...Institutional Affiliation: You are the Arbitrator – Refusing to Arbitrate The employer and employee union are participatory in a binding collective bargaining agreement that stipulates the conditions for arbitration. The crux of the problem is the union’s filing of four grievances that it feels ought to be arbitrated. The employer feels otherwise, and refuses to bring the cases before an arbitrator. Therefore, the scenario resulting from the impasse is a lack of arbitration because of disagreement between the concerned parties. The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) lays down the conditions that warrant pursuance of arbitration and those that should be addressed in court. If I were the arbitrator, I would award the employer the opportunity of not having to indulge an arbitrator. This decision stems from the fact that the arbitration clause is narrow-minded such that it excludes important clauses that cover what needs to be arbitrated. The collective bargaining agreement includes issues such as employee safety, disputes that relate to working conditions, and other matters that are not included in the main contentious clauses. Disagreements over contract interpretation, the number of hours that the business should be open, and matters relating to operational or business judgment are not to be arbitrated. The four cases presented by the employees union for arbitration lack direct or partial connection to the matters that can stand arbitration. None of the issues has anything...

Words: 589 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

International Marketing

...Unit 1 Review Assignment 1. Explain the difference among these four types of economic systems. Give an example of a country that illustrates each type of system. Market capitalism is an economic system in which the price and productions of goods and services are determined by their availability and consumer demand rather than by government or state regulation. An example of market capitalism would be the United States’ mixed market economy from which goods are produced, bought, and sold with prices and production being determined by consumer demand with limited interference from government regulation. Centrally planned socialism differs from market capitalism in that the government or state determines what goods and services will be produced and consumers demand is not a significant focus. China would be an example of a country that uses this type of economic system, the states decide which goods consumers’ need and that is what is produced. Centrally planned capitalism is similar to centrally planned socialism in that the government or state determines what goods are to be produced, but allows private companies to produce them. Sweden is an example of centrally planned capitalism due to two-thirds of businesses being owned by the government, the remaining companies produce what is perceived to be needed. Market socialism differs from the other economic systems in that it is complete and self-regulating; production is communally owned and operated with profits...

Words: 1733 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

International Legal and Ethical Issues in Business

...valid contract is an agreement that is backed-up by the courts. The contract is valid if it meets all four elements, which includes: an agreement, valuable consideration, competent parties, and legal purpose. The agreement must be a compromise from both parties, and the intention of all terms of the contract must be agreed upon from both parties. Before the contract can begin, both parties must make clear each intention, detailed, and both parties must have a clear understanding. The agreement must have an offer and an acceptance, which must include both parties. Next, a valuable consideration, in which each party are required to give up something of value or refrain from exercising a legal right in an agreement, such as the initial agreement. The third element, competent parties means all parties must possess the legal capacity to enter into the contract. This means the state jurisdiction must be met, all party members must be of legal age within the state, and must be of mental competence. Lastly, legal purpose, the contract must have a legal purpose and not contrary to the public policy. These four elements must be agreed upon and meet before a contract becomes valid. According to US Legal Definitions, Objective theory of contract is a “doctrine which states that a contract is not an agreement in the sense of a subjective meeting of the minds. However, a contract is instead a series of external acts giving the objective semblance of agreement. This principle states...

Words: 1137 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Trans-Pacific Partnership

...Trans-Pacific Partnership The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a commercial agreement pursued by the Obama Administration that rivals the WTO in scale. It would link Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, and the United States into a free-trade zone similar to that of NAFTA. Proponents of this partnership, which includes 600 corporations, declare that it will (1) support the creation and retention of jobs in the aforementioned countries; (2) boost competitiveness, thereby benefitting consumers in these regions and promoting economic growth therein, and; (3) increase the standard of living and reduce poverty in the countries[1]. The TPP is the first agreement negotiated from the ground up by the Obama Administration and represents an ambitious, next-generation, Asia-Pacific partnership. Through this agreement the Administration is seeking to boost the U.S. economy, by increasing exports to a region that includes some of the world’s most robust economies. The large and growing markets in Asia-Pacific are already key destinations for U.S. manufactured goods, agricultural products, and services suppliers. The TPP aims to further deepen this trade and investment relationship. The Obama Administration, in collaboration with Congress and a wide range of stakeholders, is negotiating to conclude this progressive agreement that aims to address the issues that U.S. businesses and workers are facing in the 21st century. Trade Ministers...

Words: 1033 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Agadir Agreement

...* Agadir Agreement Overview and Objectives ………………………………………….9 * Impact of Agadir …………………………………………………..15 Impact on Egypt’s trade ……………………………………………16 * SWOT Analysis …………………………………………………….18 * Conclusion ………………………………………………………….20 * References …………………………………………………………..22 * Appendix ……………………………………………………………..23 * Introduction Failing Arab, Middle Eastern and Maghreb regional integration has led to an increasing number of bilateral FTAs among the AMPC since the second half of the 1990s. With straightforward timetables for customs tariff reduction, they went beyond the traditional accords that rarely included more than a few shallow trade preferences and loose promises of co-operation. This was especially true for several major Arab countries, such as Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Jordan, which had already launched structural adjustment and economic liberalization programs. At the end of the 1990s, all of these countries had concluded bilateral FTAs with each other to accelerate the relatively slow-moving ten-year Pan-Arab trade liberalization program. From a global point of view, however, these economies were too small to realize considerable bilateral trade potential; reciprocal provisions proved to be incompatible at times, and hindered the development of extended production chains involving several countries in the region. At the same time, these economies began to fear similar pressures as a result of association agreements with the EU...

Words: 3847 - Pages: 16

Premium Essay

Burger King

...years had been the sole franchisee. The respondent used its own name Hungry Jack’s for its franchised stores rather than the Burger King brand name. In 1990 after several years of disputes the parties entered into four agreements, which together with the individual franchise agreements in respect of each of the respondent’s stores, governed the contractual relationship of the parties, including the respondent’s development rights in Australia. Under the Development Agreement, the respondent had an unrestricted non exclusive right to develop throughout Australia and was required to develop a total of at least four restaurants per year in Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland. There were continuing disputes between the parties which developed and intensified from 1993 onwards. On 18 November 1996 the appellant served two Notices of Termination of the Development Agreement. On 26 November 1996 the respondent commenced proceedings against the appellant. The primary judge made various findings against the appellant including that the Notices of Termination were invalid and that the appellant had breached its implied obligations of good faith and reasonableness in the Development Agreement. Damages were awarded to the respondent under four heads. The first head of damage awarded by the primary judge was for delay in opening company-owned restaurants. His Honour had a choice of 3 Samples of existing restaurants for the calculation of damages and adopted Sample...

Words: 513 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Unit 3 Ip

...customer reached the 7 million points it remained to be seen if the company would keep there end of the bargain. The issue here is whether the company’s suggestion for exceeding something that wasn’t a reasonable or appropriate award constituted a valid contract or not. What are the 4 elements of a valid contract? There are four elements of a contract and when a party files a suit claiming a breach of contract; the first question the judge must answer is whether a contract existed between the parties. The complaining party must prove four elements to show that a contract existed: (1) offer, (2) Consideration, (3) Acceptance and (4) Mutuality. If any one of them is missing, the agreement will not be legally binding. An offer is when one of the parties makes a promise to do or refrain from doing some specified action in the future. In this case the company offered to give a Harrier jet to the customer who could reach a total of 7millon points. Consideration means something of value was promised in exchange for the specified action or non-action. This can take the form of a significant expenditure of money or effort, a promise to perform some service, an agreement not to do something, or reliance on the promise. Consideration is the value that induces the parties to enter into the contract. (Jec.unm.edu), promising the jet knowing that even if a customer came up with the points...

Words: 1351 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Mark Reality Inc vs Rogn

...Mark Realty, Inc. v. Rogness 418 SO.2D 373 (1982) District Court of Appeals of Florida COWART, Judge Tilman A. Rogness, owner, entered into four separate agreements with Mark Realty, Inc., a real estate broker.  They were entitled "exclusive right of sale" and gave the broker, for a stated period of time, the exclusive right to sell the property for a certain stated price and on certain terms.  The broker sued on the four agreements for brokerage commissions, alleging that during the time provided in the agreements the owner had conveyed the four properties.  The owner's answer alleged affirmative defenses to the effect that the owner had "canceled, revoked, and terminated" the brokerage agreements before the properties were sold and that the broker had never performed under the agreements. The trial judge construed the brokerage agreements to constitute mere offers to enter into unilateral contracts under which the broker would be entitled to a commission only if he performed by "finding a purchaser of the above property."  If the documents in question are merely offers limited to acceptance by performance only, the trial judge's analysis and conclusion would be correct. We cannot agree that the documents were only offers for a unilateral contract.  The documents illustrate what has been termed "the usual practice" in the making of bargains.  One party indicates what he will do and what he requires in exchange and the other then agree.  These documents...

Words: 726 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

International Business

...ABC The Pacific Alliance 1 The Pacific Alliance – Deep integration for prosperity The Pacific Alliance is a mechanism for regional integration formed by Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru, in April 2011. It acquired legal and formal existence on 6 June 2012, with the signature of the Framework Agreement. The process seeks to create attractive markets among its member countries and enhance their competitiveness in the wider world. 2 Member Countries T h e Pa c i f i c A l l i a n c e Mexico Colombia Peru Chile 3 Finland United Kingdom Netherlands Germany France Switzerland Italy Canada Turkey People's Republic of China Japan Republic of Korea United States of America Honduras Guatemala El Salvador Dominican Republic Costa Rica Panama Spain Portugal Morocco Israel India Singapore Ecuador Australia Paraguay Uruguay New Zealand Member-Candidate countries The Pacific Alliance Observer Countries T h e Pa c i f i c A l l i a n c e Costa Rica Panama 4 Objectives of the Pacific Alliance: To build, through participation and consensus, an area of deep integration that will move progressively forward towards the free circulation of goods, services, capital and persons. To dynamize growth, development and competitiveness in the economies of the Parties, in order to achieve greater welfare, overcome socioeconomic disparities and secure social inclusion in their societies. To become a platform for political articulation, economic and commercial integration, and projection...

Words: 1960 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Caltron Electronics

...regarding four transactions and revenue recognition. Transactions in question involve Unix-based, high power minicomputers causing a total market capitalization in excess of $450 million. Currently, Caltron Computers, Inc. recognizes revenue when minicomputers are shipped. Orders involving bill-and-hold are recognized by the entire amount recorded as revenue. Current revenue recognition and bill-and-hold processes conflict with GAAP requirements, which indicate a need for change. Presented in this memo are the four transactions in question, explanations for concern, and detailed recommendations. Transactions in question Four transactions in question involve Elegant Housing, Inc., Alation Electronics, BTO Computer Leasing, and Harvey Industries. Elegant Housing, Inc. purchased two minicomputer systems totaling $400,000. A six-month trial period was allotted to ensure customer satisfaction with an option to return the two systems if unsatisfied. Elegant Housing, In. paid $20,000 at the time of shipment, November 15, 2011. Alation Electronics purchased one minicomputer system under a bill-and-hold arrangement. $250,000 of revenue was recognized. The system had not shipped as of December 31, 2011. However, Alation Electronics paid $175,000 on December 15, 2011 requiring Caltron Computers, Inc. to hold the shipment until first quarter of 2012. The remaining balance of $75,000 was arranged for payment when the systems were shipped. Another bill-and-hold agreement was made...

Words: 941 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Segmentation

...EN Case No IV/JV.12 ERICSSON / NOKIA / PSION / MOTOROLA Only the English text is available and authentic. REGULATION (EEC) No 4064/89 MERGER PROCEDURE Article 6(1)(a) INAPPLICABILITY Date: 22/12/1998 Also available in the CELEX database Document No 398J012 Office for Official Publications of the European Communities L-2985 Luxembourg COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES Brussels, 22.12.1998 In the published version of this decision, some information has been omitted pursuant to Article 17(2) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89 concerning non-disclosure of business secrets and other confidential information. The omissions are shown thus [… ]. Where possible the information omitted has been replaced by ranges of figures or a general description. PUBLIC VERSION MERGER PROCEDURE ARTICLE 6(1)(a) PROCEDURE To the notifying parties Dear Sirs, Subject: Case No IV/JV.12 – ERICSSON / NOKIA / PSION / MOTOROLA (SYMBIAN II) Notification of 20 November 1998 pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation No. 4064/89 1. On 20 November 1998, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89 [ OJ L 395, 30.12.1989 p. 1; corrigendum OJ L 257 of 21.9.1990, p. 13; as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1310/97, OJ L 180, 9. 7. 1997, p. 1, corrigendum in OJ L 40, 13.2.1998, p. 17 .] by which Motorola, Inc. (“Motorola”) would acquire joint control in Symbian Limited (“Symbian”). As a result of the operation...

Words: 1666 - Pages: 7