Growth | The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom - Don Miguel Ruiz (1997)

Discover personal freedom and self-realization through "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz—a simple, insightful book merging timeless wisdom and practicality. Reflect on Toltec tradition and embrace ancestral roots as Ruiz shares transformative teachings.

Growth | The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom - Don Miguel Ruiz (1997)
Photo by Matheus Lourenço / Unsplash

Hi All,

I usually don't write a long introduction, but the author's bio was so special that I had to jump in here. "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz combines timeless insights with practical concepts, guiding us toward personal freedom and self-realization. It is a simple and short read that is easy to apply to our lives.

I am grateful that I am connected to this wisdom after all these years. As I reflect on my own journey, reminiscent of my visit to Teotihuacan in 2016, I am captivated by the powerful legacy of the Toltec tradition.

Ruiz was a surgeon, but after a near-death experience, he had a profound shift in his life and started to honor his healer/shamanic lineage. He was born into a family of healers. Embracing his ancestral roots, he immersed himself in the mastery of ancient wisdom, mentored by his curandera mother and a powerful shaman of the Mexican desert. As a nagual from the Eagle Knight lineage, he is devoted to sharing the transformative teachings that guide us towards personal freedom. I particularly enjoyed his description of the universe and the world - our collective dream state (also called 'maya' in Hinduism and Buddhism) and domestication. Enjoy!


🐵 I. One-sentence summary:

The book offers a transformative guide to personal freedom and happiness by presenting four powerful principles for living a life of integrity, self-awareness, and authentic expression


💯 II. Key Takeaways:

1. Be Impeccable with Your Word: Speak with integrity, avoid using words against yourself or others, and use your words to spread love and positivity.

2. Don't Take Anything Personally: Understand that what others say or do is a reflection of their own reality, not a personal attack. Don't let their actions or words affect your self-worth.

3. Don't Make Assumptions: Avoid making assumptions about others' intentions or beliefs. Instead, seek clarity through effective communication and ask questions to gain a better understanding.

4. Always Do Your Best: Give your best effort in everything you do, regardless of the circumstances. Your best may vary from moment to moment, but as long as you're doing your best, you can avoid self-judgment and regret.