By Alessandro Motta, Renascent Outpatient Supervisor
There are a lot of great resources I use and I can probably highlight one a month for the rest of my life. Like many others who have been introduced to this beautiful design for living one day at a time, I have learned that one of my goals is to continue to grow in effectiveness and understanding and progress spiritually. There are a lot of reading materials and podcasts in addition to the basic texts of recovery that I refer to and use. One that stands out that has been a reliable simple reminder of some key spiritual principles is “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz, who has written several fantastic books.
I read this book every month and have the audiobook format loaded on my phone and listen to it often while on my long walks. There is always something different I pick up on and try to embrace every time I read or listen to this book.
The principles are simple to list and can take a lifetime to master. They are:
1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally
3. Don’t Make Assumptions
4. Always Do Your Best
This book was introduced to me by my supervisor at work when I was just a few years in my recovery. It was during a period when I was frequently worrying about what others thought of me and struggling with relationship challenges and interpersonal dynamics at work. My “favourite” agreement which has definitely helped me tremendously in these aspects is “don’t take things personally”. Practicing mindfulness of my feelings, recognizing the benefits of these spiritual principles and applying them in my daily life have significantly improved the way I feel and behave and have also bailed me out of some tough situations.
