Book Review: the Four Agreements
Brittany Counts
SWK 333
The four agreements
November 13th, 2012
From the beginning of the semester, when I see the “Book Review”, I looked through the list. I have read “a child called it,” and a few others which are all great books, but one in particular stands of the most to me. When I first started my journey in college, I took a philosophy class right off the bat. The professor assigned a book to be read within the semester, and to be a small, simple book, literally gave me direction in my life through the hardest times. I chose to read it again where its now been four years ago, because now that my heart is set on the helping profession, I only knew it would help. Don Miguel Ruiz's The Four Agreements is one of the most motivating, remarkable books I have ever read. I felt like everything he said had happened some time in my life and have affected me in some way. His ideas were so simple. The title explains it all, there are four agreements- Be Impeccable With Your Word This means avoiding gossip, lies, empty promises and other ways we cause problems with our words. Say only what you mean, and realize that you can cause damage if you're not careful with what you say. This is a great recommendation. Many people don't realize the power of their words and see the harm that can be caused with speaking carelessly, thoughtlessly or aggressively. Most of us are aware that screaming at someone may be upsetting to them, but subtle little digs at them, or gossip behind their backs, can hurt others more than we realize, and in hurting them, we hurt ourselves. This is an important, but difficult one to follow entirely. It's a great goal to aspire to, though, and a good direction to work toward. Don’t Take Anything Personally This 'agreement' deals with understanding how other people's behaviors are a reflection of them only. When someone gives us feedback about us, it's important to remember that no opinions are truly objective; we all
SWK 333
The four agreements
November 13th, 2012
From the beginning of the semester, when I see the “Book Review”, I looked through the list. I have read “a child called it,” and a few others which are all great books, but one in particular stands of the most to me. When I first started my journey in college, I took a philosophy class right off the bat. The professor assigned a book to be read within the semester, and to be a small, simple book, literally gave me direction in my life through the hardest times. I chose to read it again where its now been four years ago, because now that my heart is set on the helping profession, I only knew it would help. Don Miguel Ruiz's The Four Agreements is one of the most motivating, remarkable books I have ever read. I felt like everything he said had happened some time in my life and have affected me in some way. His ideas were so simple. The title explains it all, there are four agreements- Be Impeccable With Your Word This means avoiding gossip, lies, empty promises and other ways we cause problems with our words. Say only what you mean, and realize that you can cause damage if you're not careful with what you say. This is a great recommendation. Many people don't realize the power of their words and see the harm that can be caused with speaking carelessly, thoughtlessly or aggressively. Most of us are aware that screaming at someone may be upsetting to them, but subtle little digs at them, or gossip behind their backs, can hurt others more than we realize, and in hurting them, we hurt ourselves. This is an important, but difficult one to follow entirely. It's a great goal to aspire to, though, and a good direction to work toward. Don’t Take Anything Personally This 'agreement' deals with understanding how other people's behaviors are a reflection of them only. When someone gives us feedback about us, it's important to remember that no opinions are truly objective; we all