The Four Agreements are simple: Be impeccable with your word. Don’t take anything personally. Don’t make assumptions. Always do your best.

But living the Four Agreements can be challenging.

That’s why sisters Linda and Angelina Pelano came to Omega on a scholarship in June 2017 to attend the Four Agreements workshop led by don Miguel Ruiz and his sons, don Miguel Ruiz Jr. and don Jose Ruiz.

Attending with family—Angelina’s daughter was also there—enriched all the teachings, Linda said. “We could see the flaws we made within our relationships with each other and other family members, and using the Four Agreements we could continue the discussions even after the workshop was over,” she explained.

Lessons on Compassion

The Ruiz family teachings are based on ancient Toltec wisdom, a tradition of indigenous beliefs from rural Mexico that preceded Aztec culture. They help others learn to apply this wisdom to everyday living.

Before she found the teachings of don Miguel Ruiz, Linda said she would describe herself as “reactionary.” Now she says she takes the Four Agreements very much to heart and tries to live them in her daily life.

“The Toltec way of life certainly works for me and has made me more compassionate to others, allowing me to step back before reacting to any situation,” she said. “I always took things personally— and still do occasionally—but now I check myself and realize that I do have control by either participating in drama or not.”

Angelina agrees and says that taking things personally has been a long-standing habit of hers and practically everyone she knows.

“I practice daily, and my new mantra, besides being grateful and thankful, is: don't take that personally. It's not about me. It's about them…and it’s their lesson.” Angelina said. "The wisdom of not taking things personally is so needed in the world today along with compassion for all. These are essential and should be nurtured in our children so they can become caring, loving, and peaceful humans who can agree to disagree without hate and war."

Toltec Wisdom for All Ages

Both sisters are grandmothers. Angelina, the oldest, has 10 grandchildren, and Linda has two. They say they hope to pass Toltec wisdom on to their descendants. They want to teach their grandchildren wisdom for all aspects of life, and that the Four Agreements are on her list of "greatest wisdom knowledge."

Since the workshop, Linda says, the sisters talk regularly about what they learned and how they can share it with their family. “I really do feel that the Ruiz family and their workshops, books, and verbal teachings are so genuine and from the heart—it’s the way all people should be. The world would be a kinder place if they were.”