I posted these simple, but, oh so powerful Agreements before. And I find that I need a reminder every once in a while because life gets in the way.
According to Don Miguel Ruiz, everything we do is based on agreements we have made - agreements with the Divine and with the people we interact with. However, the most important agreements are the ones we make with ourselves. We determine who we are, how we should behave, what is possible, or what is impossible in our lives.
Agreement #1. Be impeccable with your word
Say what you mean and mean what you say. To really master this 1st agreement, you will have to increase your awareness of the words you say, and I think, more importantly the energy you project. Your presence (energy) says more about you than your words.
It is all about how you make people feel. You will need to develop being more mindful to be impeccable in these expressions on a daily basis. And, this is even more important with yourself. Be conscious of the words you use to describe you to you, and to others. Avoid using words to speak against yourself, or to gossip about others.
Agreement #2. Don’t take anything personally
Nothing anyone does is because of you, it is because of themselves. All people live in their dream, in their own mind; they are in a completely different world from the one we live in. Each one of us make the choice to say something or to do something, we are only responsible for our own actions and decisions.
So, that means that others are responsible for what they do or say, not you! When we take something personally, we make the assumption that they know what is in our world, and we try to impose our world on their world. By learning to not take things personally we will not be hurt by the words or actions of others.
Agreement #3. Don’t make Assumptions
It’s all made up, remember that! Everything is a story in our head. We add meaning to what others say or do, and it may not be right! This agreement is about having the courage to ask questions and to express what it is that we really want.
Learn to tell others, as clearly as possible, what you intend! If you do this you can avoid misunderstandings, hurt and drama. With just this one agreement, Ruiz says we can completely transform our lives.
Assume nothing! You have heard this phrase before, "When you assume, you make an ass out of u and me."
Agreement #4. Always do your best
Just do your best--in any circumstance in your life. If you always do your best there is no way you can judge yourself. And if you don't judge yourself there is no way you are going to suffer from guilt, blame, and self-punishment. By always doing your best, you will break a big spell you have been under.
Agreement #5. Be skeptical, but learn to listen
Don’t believe yourself or anybody else! Question everything you hear or think: Is it really the truth? How do I know it is true? Are you attaching a meaning to what has been said? If so, go back to the 3rd agreement…Don’t make assumptions! Ask what is the intent behind the words. Understand the intention and you will understand the real message.
When you learn to listen, you know exactly what other people want. Once you know what they want, what you do with that information is up to you. You can react or not react, you can agree or disagree with what they say, and that depends on what you want.
These agreements will help you to reconnect with your authentic and awakened self. These agreements help us to accept ourselves, where we are and to accept others where they are. I have found they have also helped me let to of expectations of how I think others and outcomes should be!
I challenge you to try at least one in the next week and see what happens! Let me know how it goes!
Hazel.