Whenever we hear an opinion and believe it, we make an agreement, and it becomes part of our belief system

Whenever we hear an opinion and believe it, we make an agreement, and it becomes part of our belief system

In his book "The Four Agreements," author Miguel Ruiz explores the idea that our beliefs are shaped by the agreements we make with ourselves and others. He argues that every time we hear an opinion and choose to believe it, we are essentially entering into an agreement that becomes a part of our belief system. This concept has profound implications for how we navigate the world and interact with others.

Ruiz's first agreement is to be impeccable with your word. This means speaking with integrity and only saying what you mean. When we hear an opinion and believe it, we are essentially agreeing to incorporate that belief into our own understanding of the world. If we are not careful about the opinions we choose to believe, we can end up adopting harmful or limiting beliefs that do not serve us.

Ruiz's second agreement is to not take anything personally. This is particularly relevant in the context of hearing opinions from others. When someone shares their opinion with us, it is a reflection of their own beliefs and experiences, not necessarily a reflection of objective truth. If we take everything personally and internalize the opinions of others, we can end up feeling hurt or insecure. By recognizing that opinions are just that – opinions – we can free ourselves from the burden of taking them to heart.

Ruiz's third agreement is to not make assumptions. When we hear an opinion and believe it without questioning or seeking further information, we are making assumptions about the validity of that opinion. By being open-minded and curious, we can avoid falling into the trap of blindly accepting opinions as truth.

Ruiz's fourth agreement is to always do your best. This means being conscious of the agreements we make with ourselves and others, and striving to live in alignment with our values and beliefs. By being mindful of the opinions we choose to believe, we can ensure that our belief system is one that serves us and helps us to live authentically.