The Weekly Wednesday #1: Be Impeccable With Your Word
Welcome to The Weekly Wednesday!
Each week, I'll share a valuable insight with you. This week's insight comes from Don Miguel Ruiz's book The Four Agreements. Specifically, the first of the four agreements: "Be impeccable with your word."
What exactly does Ruiz mean by "agreements"? Essentially, you make commitments to yourself that can lead to a better life. Among these, being impeccable with your word is the most important.
Why is this principle so crucial to live by? Believe it or not, the human word is the most powerful force in the world.
"The word is not just a sound or a written symbol. The word is a force; it is the power you have to express and communicate, to think, and thereby to create the events in your life. You can speak. What other animal on the planet can speak? The word is the most powerful tool you have as a human; it is the tool of magic. But like a sword with two edges, your word can create the most beautiful dream, or your word can destroy everything around you."
Simply uttering a few words can brighten someone's day or spoil their week. If you compliment someone's outfit as they walk down the street, you can infuse their day with positivity just through your words. This good feeling may spread as they are in a better mood the rest of the day and pay that positivity forward.
On the other hand, you could tell that same person that they look fat and disgusting and ruin their day, possibly their week (or even longer). There's also a great chance that they'll be in a shitty mood afterward and spread negativity to others.
Just a few words can significantly spread, sometimes to a few others, sometimes even to millions.
Martin Luther King used his words to spead love and positivity. Hitler used his words to spread hate and violence. What are you using your word for?
"Being impeccable with your word is not using the word against yourself. If I see you in the street and I call you stupid, it appears that I'm using the word against you. But really I'm using my word against myself, because you're going to hate me for this, and your hating me is not good for me. Therefore, if I get angry and with my word send all that emotional poison to you, I'm using the word against myself."
The words we share with others inevitably circle back to us. Our external dialogue entangles with our internal thoughts and self-perception.
If you spread negativity to others, you'll feel that negativity toward yourself. On the other hand, if you spread compassion, acceptance, and love, you'll feel more self-compassion, self-acceptance, and self-love.
To live a healthy and happy life, we must have a positive relationship with ourselves regarding our health and fitness.
"Impeccability of the word will also give you immunity from anyone putting a negative spell on you. You will only receive a negative idea if your mind is fertile ground for that idea."
If you're impeccable with your word, the words of those who aren't won't affect you. They're not speaking with intentionality; they are spreading poison.
You don't have time for that and certainly don't have the energy. By being impeccable with your word, you control what comes out of your mouth and what you allow into your mind.
This week, challenge yourself to be mindful of your words to yourself and others. Notice how your communication affects your mood and energy levels. How can you use your words to create a more positive and supportive environment for your health and fitness journey?
See you next week,
Andrew