Holiday Traditions 12.26.23

I hope everyone who celebrates had a peaceful, relaxing Christmas with family and friends. Jim and I spent the last couple of days sharing the holiday with my older son and his wife. It’s always a great visit full of good conversation, food! and relaxation. While visiting them I never bring a book from home because I always find it fun and informative to peruse their bookshelves and discover new reading material. 

Sitting on a table by their sofa one morning while quietly sipping my coffee, I noticed a small little book titled The Four Agreements – A Toltec Wisdom Book. Based on the ancient Mexican Toltec civilization dating to between the 10th and 12th centuries, the book relates to the reader Four Agreements with which we should strive to adopt throughout our lives.

The Toltec civilization was admired for their mystical, spiritual ways and teachings as well as their art. They believed the way a person lived their lives was their “art” – an extraordinarily insightful way of thinking in my humble opinion.  

A quote at the beginning of the book captured my attention – and kept me reading: ”Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see” – John Lennon

At this time of year, when we are all making our New Year resolutions, I think I will focus on the Four Agreements: 

“Be Impeccable with your word – speak with integrity and use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love, 

Don’t take anything personally – when you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering, 

Don’t make assumptions – communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama, and

Always do your best – under any circumstances, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgement, self-abuse and regret.”        From The Four Agreements, by Don Miquel Ruiz

May the New Year bring peace, truth, and stability to all our lives – both here in the United States and abroad.