A friend just posted on his blog “Drew in Zombieland” one of these agreements and a link to the original site of don Miguel and don Jose Luis’ Toltec Teachings. Their introduction states that “in these agreements we tell ourselves who we are, how to behave, what is possible, what is impossible.”
Aside from finding these words inspirational for my personal life, I can also see the connection to the experience of the people in All God’s Children and even to documentary filmmaking in general.
1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.
3. 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.
4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.