Guide to Self-Mastery by The Fifth Agreement - Essay Example

REFLECTION ESSAY ON THE FIFTH AGREEMENT: A GUIDE TO SELF-MASTERY The Fifth Agreement: a guide to self-mastery is a book written by Don .M. Ruiz and Don .J. Ruiz. It is an amazing book which is a treat for all those who are in search for something that will rejuvenate their soul and provide them help so that one can eventually master the department of self help. The theme behind this book if described in one word is “truth”. The definition of truth differs from person to person. One of the most general way to define truth is that something which is real and gives satisfaction to oneself. For many speaking up the truth or being honest not only to the society but oneself is a very difficult task. Usually it has been observed that people tend to mould reality in such a way that it becomes in favour of them which is not right under any circumstances. Hence to sum it all up truth cannot be manipulated but it is the best way to discover oneself. This book is written keeping the importance of truth in mind and how incorporating truth in life can bring a positive change within oneself and more over the society. THE PURPOSE BEHIND THIS BOOK IS: This book will help one to make better decision. Since decision making is a very tough task and it has been observed that most people regret the decisions they make later in life. Therefore this book will become a thorough guide for all those who have difficulty in making decisions or staying by their words. Since communication is always a two way process which requires adequate attention of the source and the receiver therefore this book also will help to polish the communication and listening skills of individuals. It has been observed that individuals are at times are very unclear about the decisions they make. This results in wrong choices and blocks the opening for better possibilities. This book will provide an insight for all those who were having difficulty in choosing what is best for them and eventually make better choices. The information provided in this book will hence be substantial while the right choices. Usually it has been observed that majority of the people get manipulated very easily and thus fall for all those vague schemes and promotion which are nothing more than a mind trap for the innocent people. Those who read this book know the difference between the real and the virtual truth. They are aware that the information which is being provided is not correct but manipulated in a manner that attracts the mind. Thus the one who has read this book will eventually ask targeted questions within the respected domain. This will also work on a very important area in human relationship. Since people will be aware that this person is aware about the difference between the virtual truth and the real truth therefore people will avoid manipulating conversations hence resulting in a less likeable chance to fall in the trap of miscommunication. Now I would like to describe the five agreements that have been explained in the book. Be flawless with your words: Firstly one needs to be perfect with the words they use. By this I mean that one should always speak their heart out. There should not be any hidden meaning behind the words that are said. Thus one should say everything with adequate clarity. There should be integrity in the words one speaks and he/she should be firm about it. It is a very general phenomenon that if you speak ill about someone then the same will happen to you. Eventually you will become the topic of discussion for all. Therefore avoid gossiping about others and others will not gossip about you. Speaking positively and using the right words at the right time can do wonders for you. Hence in a nutshell one should use the might of their words to have a positive influence which will spread honesty and love. Try avoiding taking things personally: Second is a very common problem amongst the people that is we usually start taking things quite personally. People usually think that they are superior to others which is a very wrong approach. People tend to think that they are always right and the fault lies in the other person which usually develops pride killing the humbleness that needs to persist in all humans. One should not be concerned with what others think and do as whatever they do or show is a depiction of their self. Therefore we should not bother about others but ourselves. Finally the most important thing that Mr. Ruiz conveyed in this book is that others would do as they please but on a personal level all should be positive as positivity has a ripple effect. Moreover it puts an end to needless suffering. Stop assuming: Thirdly it is very common that people tend to assume a lot without any proof or verification. One needs to ask whatever is in their heart and eventually express their feelings and constraints as communicating does wonders. Communicating not only helps to avoid miscommunication and misinterpretation but it certainly brings about clarity and avoids drama. When one stops assuming there is more room for thinking straight and being aware of the realities which can eventually change the life of a person and bring it on track. Never give up and give your best shot: One should always try till the time they don’t succeed. Giving up on hope is like giving up on belief in oneself. The potential and capability of a person tends to change with passage of time and circumstance but under any situation a person should give his or her best irrespective of what the result will be. Furthermore it avoids the guilt, regret, self-criticism and judgment. Be doubtful and have the ability to listen: Do not believe on anything that you hear or see but start to question and use reasoning. Never just fall for anything that you are doubtful about. Try to connect the dots and read between the lines so that you can eventually understand the hidden message behind the words that are said. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REAL AND VIRTUAL TRUTH: Real truth is basically purity. Something that exists in its real form without any change or manipulation in it. It is something that is beautiful and not artificial. It has its own aesthetic and an undoubting reality. Universal facts are a true depiction of real truth. For instance: sun rises in the east and sets in the west is a good example. On the contrary virtual truth is quite different from real truth. Virtual truth is what we believe is real irrespective of the fact that how vague it can be. Overview: Some of the things discussed in the book is as follows: Always pay attention to others if you want to receive the same attention from others. Giving attention is very important as it gives a sense of satisfaction and comforts the person in a disturbed or nervous state. All use truth in its purest form. Don’t manipulate the truth as it would eventually bring about difficulties for you in the longer run. Real truth is like a fact which cannot be changed what so ever. Reality is universal. On the contrary virtual truth is merely an art which is focuses on manipulation. Virtual truth tends to change from person to person as it does not have any significance. Never stop dreaming because sky is the limit. Every person is responsible for their belief, for what they say, for their wants and desires. One should be responsible for what choices and decisions they make in life. Never let your decision change because it did not turn out the way you expected it too. Learn to respect yourself if you expect the same respect from others. Never be scared of death. Death is destiny and everyone has to experience death one day or the other. So there is no point of being scared from it. The best way to change the world is by changing oneself. If you change yourself for the better eventually the environment around will also change and become better. Conclusion: Hence in a nutshell, this book is an inspiration for all those who seek to motivate themselves and become better persons. This book acts as a complete code for life which is based on primarily one value that is TRUTH. Being honest completely changes your personality and brings about the best in you. If you have a positive approach towards life then the people around you naturally absorb the positivity within and thus the society becomes a happy place to dwell in. this book is hence a true retreat for all those who have become pessimistic about life. Thus “In this compelling sequel to the book that has changed the lives of millions of people around the world, we are reminded of the greatest gift we can give ourselves: the freedom to be who we really are.” (Ruiz and Coyote, 18) Works cited: Ruiz, Miguel, and Peter Coyote. The Fifth Agreement. San Rafael, CA: Amber-Allen Pub, 2010. Sound recording. Read More