Can We Come to an Agreement?
by Ngozi Osuagwu, MD | August 19th, 2017
Two years ago, I blogged about a way to help decrease stress in the work place by instituting the four agreements, however with what has happened in recent days, I was wondering how the world would look if we all participated in the four agreements. The four agreements have become a daily compass for me. I have it on my smartphone to look at daily.
The four agreements are found in the book, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. You can interpret it the way that makes sense to you. I have provided my interpretation.
- BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORDS
Words are powerful. It is so important to think before we open our mouths. I actually have a prayer card with Psalm 141:3 ‘Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth’ as a reminder to be careful with the words that come out of my mouth. Let us use our words to do something positive.
- DON’T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY
We have to learn to let go. We only have control over ourselves and our actions.
- DON’T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS
The major problem a lot of us have is not getting clarification. We see something and we make assumptions, not knowing that someone else might look at the same thing and have a different interpretation. If you have a question, just ask. Communication is key. This is extremely important because we live in a diverse world where one culture might do things one way and it is interpreted by another culture a different way.
- ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST
There is a wonderful feeling that you have when you are ready to go to bed knowing you have done your best for the day. You cannot compare yourself with another person. ‘Best’ is unique for the individual. If you have done your best, you will be in peace and sleep well.
Just imagine what the world would be like, if we came together and we were willing to participate in the four agreements.
If you have not had a chance, read the book. It is a quick read and can be completed over the weekend.
