It’s hard to tell someone what he said and have it make an impact. He certainly has a way of storytelling that is simple and engaging at the same time.
“Everything we do is based on agreements we have made - agreements with ourselves, with other people, with God, with life. But the most important agreements are the ones we make with ourselves. In these agreements we tell ourselves who we are, how to behave, what is possible, what is impossible. One single agreement is not such a problem, but we have many agreements that come from fear, deplete our energy, and diminish our self-worth.”
I believe the impact it had on me was magnified when he asked what our biggest problem is as human beings. In my mind I was reminded of when Ishmael talks about humans believing they are flawed (”I’m only human…”) and that it is this excuse we use for choices we make in our lives. This is exactly what Ruiz said is our problem. That what we are raised on is based on lies.
It is amazing how earthshattering Ishmael was, and still is, for me. My self is finally shaping now that I’ve read it. I felt lost my whole life and it’s like that one little book made me found. It’s what I do with that knowledge that defines the paths I take in the future and as sad as I am that Mother Culture has us in this strangle hold of deception, I have hope that I can live a life breaking down those lies and making better decisions for myself.
It could only lead to happiness and contentment. :)
(And then, perhaps, I could stop thinking like this.)
Don Miguel Ruiz’s book really helped to open my eyes and organize my thoughts and feelings.
I feel much better, and much more free after reading The Four Agreements. I can’t wait to see the impact Ishmael will have!