The four agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz - Essay Example

They proposed that the environment we live in is in fact a very sophisticated dream, and that each person is a reflection of another. Thus, we are all connected. That everything we do and say is a standard regime that we are each gradually programmed with as we grow. This pantheistic picture is what the Toltecs preserved through the centuries. It elevates man to a divine level, and it all depends with how we see ourselves. Although there are many pacts, or agreements, we make with society, God, and our fellow man, the most important agreements are those we make with ourselves, which will ultimately determine who we become.

Don Miguel clearly outlines four of these agreements that, if reached, will transform and elevate the person’s life into a whole new aspect of the dream. The drama of hell that life brings will disappear, and the person will be creating his own personal dream of heaven. The first agreement is the most important, but most challenging to keep. It is to be impeccable with your word. Because the word is very powerful, having the capability to either build or destroy. Don Miguel writes that, “The word is the most powerful tool you have as a human; it is the tool of magic.

But like a sword with two edges, your word can create the most beautiful dream or your word can destroy everything around you.” He says that when your word becomes impeccable, or flawless, you grow seeds of love. You are released from fear and are free to live a life of happiness even though everyone around you is not. With this one agreement alone, you can transcend to the level of existence called heaven on earth. The second agreement is don’t take anything personally. For example, if a random person on the street, who does not know you, calls you stupid, and you accept it, then you will believe you are stupid, and you alone will be affected.

The author writes that, “you take it personally because you agree with what was said, and as soon as you do, the poison goes through you, and you are trapped in the dream of hell.” But if you don’t, then no one can hurt you and you will break many negative habits and routines. The third agreement is don’t make assumptions. Because when we do so believing they are real, then we act on them and make life miserable. If we never assumed at the beginning, we would avoid much trouble. A lot of emotional poison is created and people are hurt or deceived.

The fourth agreement is always do your best. This one sets the other three in a firm platform. Although it may vary due to conditions, as time goes by, it will become better than it used to be. Life will become more lively and fulfilling. Everything else will fall into place, and you will attain happiness. These are the four agreements of Don Miguel. They can be inculcated into many societies and professions. One such profession is the field of nursing. Because it deals with individual people in a benevolent way, these four agreements achieve a lot of success in such an environment.

BODY The nursing field is defined by challenging, tough tasks. Compared with other professions, the nurse is the most indispensable. It is a matter of life and death, so it is very important that he not only knows what’s being done, but he should also be aware of himself. The way he sees and carries himself will influence the results of his actions greatly. The nurse who learns to instill within himself these four agreem