The Four Agreements

Having read and adored The Mastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz, I was very excited to read The Four Agreements. Ruiz is a Nagual (master) in the Toltec tradition. The Toltec were scientists and artists from Southern Mexico who formed a society to conserve and expand upon the spiritual knowledge and practices of their ancestors. Less of a religion than a way of life, the Toltec saw the sacred in the ordinary, much like followers of Taoism. As Ruiz explains, "Toltec considered science and spirit to be the same since all energy, whether material or ethereal, is derived from the same source and governed by the same universal laws."

In his book, Ruiz shares four agreements, or simple guiding principles, that can free us to live with well-being and true happiness.

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
2. Don't Take Anything Personally
3. Don't Make Assumptions
4. Always Do Your Best

In order to discover Heaven on earth, the author explains that we need only keep our word with ourselves and live with integrity. This will support our living in the present moment. By telling the truth and being with life as it actually unfolds, rather than disagreeing and investing pointlessly in how we would prefer it to be, we can be in harmony with our lives. You can learn more about this wonderful book on Ruiz' website here.

What I appreciated most about The Four Agreements is that its advice is so practical and achievable, even in a challenging environment such as New York City. Another book with practical wisdom that can put you in touch with the magic available in the present moment is Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment, by Ariel & Shya Kane. Both Ruiz's and the Kanes' books have touched my life by supporting me in being the author of my life, and I recommend them wholeheartedly.

To purchase The Four Agreements, click Here.
To purchase Being Here, click here.