The naguals say we shouldn’t take it personally if others don’t see us for who we really are because, bluntly, nobody can. In fact, Dr. Heidi Grant Halvorson, author of No One Understands You and What To Do About It explains that we think others know us better than they really do. We assume anyone can tell what we want, what we think, or what we mean—but that’s not the case at all. It’s possible for someone to get close, but it takes so much effort that most people won’t bother.

The authors’ first point is that the world we perceive through our senses is only a subjective interpretation of a thin slice of what actually exists in the world. They argue that the information our senses give us is heavily filtered and fabricated: For instance, our brains interpret a narrow band of radiation as “color.” Without eyes—and brains to interpret their signals—colors would not exist; in a literal sense, they don’t exist outside of us. Once we have a basic grasp of language, we begin to develop a sense of morality and ethics. We usually start by learning about "right and wrong," "good and bad," and "reward and punishment." In short, we learn about behavior. We observe behavior, we buy into what constitutes good behavior, we believe it, and we agree with it. Rules work because they're universally regarded. Parenting and teaching promote the belief that good behavior is rewarded, and consequences are often viewed unfavorably. We're told there are "consequences for our actions."Don't Make Assumptions. Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life. With awareness, we recover the control of our story. That is the good news. If we don't like our story, we are the authors; we can change it.

Critical thinking is something that needs to be taught and taken seriously, because the world is becoming increasingly complex, and the ground beneath us is constantly shifting. We need to learn to question our perceptions and our versions of reality. We need to interrogate our symbols and how we use language to represent ourselves and the world. And we need to listen. We need to listen to ourselves and to those around us. Once you realize that hardly anything you know through symbols is true, then be skeptical has a much bigger meaning. Be skeptical is masterful because it uses the power of doubt to discern the truth. Whenever you hear a message from yourself or from another artist, simply ask: Is it truth, or is it not truth? Is it reality or is it a virtual reality? The doubt takes you behind the symbols and makes you responsible for every message you deliver and receive. Why invest your faith in any message that is not true? By being skeptical, you don’t believe every message; you don’t put your faith in symbols, and when your faith is not in symbols, your faith is in yourself.The childhood is filled with carefree, playful time. Not only that the media cannot affect and jeopardize that peacefulness, but also can’t get near it. Shortform note: Modern science supports the authors’ claim that the language we use reflects and shapes our fundamental beliefs about the world. For example, linguistic researchers have discovered that people who speak different languages have different beliefs about blame and punishment in the case of accidents. In this way, the specific words people use impact their beliefs about the situation—just as the Ruizes describe.)

Don Miguel" says that, during the process, one w

PDF Summary Part 1.2: Adjust Your Focus

Before domestication, our tendency was to explore, express creativity, seek pleasure, and avoid pain. Before we move on to the five agreements, we’ll explore the naguals’ description of three subjective “realities” we can inhabit. When we use words impeccably, we only allow them to improve our lives, not be destructive. This starts with the words you choose and ends with the degree of relative truth you assign to words from others. The goal here is to, like the toddler you once were, not judge or reject yourself for who you are. At the same time, when others insult you, see their words as just symbols, their truth, not yours, and you’ll better be able to let it wash away. The emphasis falls on the word or should you prefer the term “agree.” The symbolic meaning is both explained and presented as an asset, not as some universal truth.

We ended up being taught both at school and home – how to behave like adults. In reality, they or in some case “we” are the ones who misbehave. If you'd like to surrender the lies that keep you in bondage... study this book and try to live by its principles if it resonates with you. The goal is to live YOUR LIFE instead of the life of THE BELIEF SYSTEM. This is a practical guide to self-mastery. Since 1997, The Four Agreements has transformed the lives of millions of people around the world with a simple but profound message. Now bestselling author don Miguel Ruiz and his son, don Jose Ruiz, collaborate with this powerful sequel The Fifth Agreement. The Four Agreements provides the foundation for breaking thousands of agreements that create needless suffering and with The Fifth Agreement you recover all the power of your authenticity, which is who you really are when you are born. The Fifth Agreement: A Practical Guide to Self-Mastery by Miguel Ruiz – eBook Details No more, no less. Each has to do his best, his own best. Each person must achieve according to his scale, not others. Each must try to find to find the best way to express his character, not to be a hero. It is not about beeing a hero, but a peaceful person and a productive one.

PDF Summary Part 2: Challenge Your Reality

You may remember The Four Agreements. The first is to be impeccable with our words, to empower ourselves and others. We shouldn't tear others down, and we should also encourage ourselves so that we thrive. Secondly, whatever happens, we need to learn not to take it personally. If other people use their words to tear us down, belittle us, or spread rumors, this is a reflection of their character, not ours. Thirdly, never make assumptions. If we don't know the answer to something, we should have the curiosity to ask questions and seek the truth. Finally, no matter how difficult it may seem, we always need to do our best. The book promotes a simple way of living, yet filled with happiness, wisdom, and power; power upon our thoughts, our actions, our words. One of the most important agreements we can make with ourselves is to seek the truth. This means that we need to listen. While we may not always agree with the views and beliefs of others, we have to commit to listening. Once we have listened, we can interpret what symbols we're being sold, what views of the world we're being led to believe. This will help us get a step closer to reality and the absolute truth.