Four agreements: refreshing, enlightening, and hard

This book seemed perfect for me: interested in metaphysical philosophy and highly recommended by my best friend, whose interest in spirituality and growth is similar to mine. It is written by Don Miguel Ruiz, a shaman, and concerns the ways we have constructed our own version of reality – and the four “agreements” we can make with ourselves to start living in a much healthier and happier world.

Here are the “agreements”:

Be impeccable with your word.
Don’t take anything personally.
Don’t make assumptions.
Always do your best.

I believe in everything that this book says, but the book did not work for me. However, my friend felt it profoundly impacted her. Having said that: this book has stuck with me. I’m not sure how it’s possible to not like a book yet have it stick with you, but that’s what this one did.

If you have read metaphysical books before, none of the material in this book will be new. It is written in a simple way that is very understandable, which may be part of the reason it didn’t resonate for me: I almost felt like it was too simple. However, once you get to the agreements, you begin to understand that what looks simple – and is simply understandable – is not nearly as easy in practice. Being impeccable with your word might sound easy: be honest. Most of us would say we are honest most of the time. But Ruiz goes beyond that. We need to be impeccable with the words we use to talk to ourselves. That is a lifetime challenge.

The beginning of the process of enlightenment is so liberating, and this book is great for that. I think the reason this book has stuck with me has been that it made me realize how far I am from where I would like to be. I have started on the journey but still have a long way to go.