While it doesn’t align with any one particular religion, The Four Agreements presents ideas that address the reader’s worldview, philosophy, and possibly religion. Reflect on some of the ideas Ruiz presented that are new to you.

• Which of Ruiz’s ideas do you connect and agree with? Why?
• Which parts are challenging or disagreeable to you? Why?

Teaching Suggestion: The purpose of this discussion is to allow students time and space to reflect on the ideas presented in the text on a personal level. While developing a deeper personal understanding, students will also begin to think about what ideas they might want to apply or reject.

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

ACTIVITY 1: “Imagine the Four Agreements in Action”

In this activity, students will review a passage from the text that invites them to imagine what their lives might be like using the Four Agreements and apply that imagination to developing a plan of action.

In Chapter 7, Ruiz invites the reader to imagine:

Imagine living your life without the fear of being judged by others. You no longer rule your behavior according to what others may think about you.