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Share a lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life.

By Tracy Schruder

Reflections on _The Four Agreements_ by Don Miguel Ruiz

One of the most transformative books I’ve had the pleasure of reading is _The Four Agreements_ by Don Miguel Ruiz. The lessons in this profound work reshaped my perspective on myself, my thoughts, others, the world, and life entirely. I encountered his wisdom in my mid-40s – a pivotal time that sparked deep inner shifts. I often find myself wishing I’d discovered his teachings when I was half that age.

My Journey

For much of my youth, I was absorbed by my thoughts and was extremely sensitive. I took my mind’s narratives as truth, unaware of the inner dynamics Don Miguel describes so eloquently – the interplay of The Parasite (limiting beliefs and conditioning), The Ally (inner wisdom), and The Creator (a higher aspect of self aligned with love and awareness). I hadn’t grasped the concept of inner “sides” or the profound gap of presence, that higher place of the self, the soul, and the Now. 

The Toltec Wisdom

Don Miguel Ruiz’s work stems from the Toltec tradition, emphasizing awareness, transformation, and living authentically. _The Four Agreements_ outlines powerful principles for personal freedom:

1. Be impeccable with your word. 

2. Don’t take anything personally. 

3. Don’t make assumptions. 

4. Don’t do anything with fear. 

Other Works by Don Miguel Ruiz

– The Mastery of Love: Explores love, relationships, and inner peace.

– The Voice of Knowledge: Delves into distinguishing true inner wisdom from conditioned thought patterns.

– Prayers: A Communion with Our Creator: Reflective spiritual prayers.

– The Fifth Agreement: A companion to _The Four Agreements_, touching on authenticity and truth.

Domestication and The Dream of the Planet

Don Miguel speaks of domestication – the process by which societal norms, judgments, and conditioning shape our beliefs and perceptions, often leading to self-limiting patterns. We live within ‘the dream of the planet’, a collective construct influencing how we see ourselves and interact with the world. Awakening to these dynamics can liberate us from unconscious agreements and foster greater authenticity.

Transformation and Self-Knowledge

Learning these principles has led me to many wonderful places and experiences. Embracing ‘Know thyself’ – at 54 years old today – I can honestly say that I have gained profound insights into my own nature. Don Miguel’s teachings illuminated pathways to greater awareness, helping me align more with presence and inner peace.

In Conclusion 

My Gratitude

I’m grateful I encountered Don Miguel Ruiz’s work when I did. His insights continue to ripple through my life, encouraging deeper self-awareness and compassionate engagement with the world.

The Toltec Wisdom

A lesson well learned. Better later than never.

What are your favorite brands and why?

By Tracy Schruder

When I think about the world of consumerism, I am always amazed at how many people believe that a Brand* can some how enhance their status. I’m the type of person whose values and priorities diverge significantly from the dominant brand-driven consumers. I’ve never been drawn to flashy logos, trendy marketing. I have never been known as someone who follows the crowd, or feed into the latest fads. Instead, I focus on the story behind the product, the people involved in its creation, and the impact it has on the environment.

My exploration of the fashion industry has led me to some disturbing truths. The prevalence of child labor, sweatshop conditions, and human trafficking in the production of certain brands is appalling, for lack of a better word description . The exploitation of vulnerable workers, often in developing countries, is a harsh reality that many consumers seem to overlook, when buying the latest popular Brands. 

Brands like Levi’s and others have an extremely complex history, marked by questionable labor practices and environmental degradation. The cotton industry, in particular, has a significant impact on the environment, from pesticide use to water pollution. The high cost of luxury brands like Gucci and Hugo Boss raises questions about the value we place on material goods.

The food industry is another area where I’ve become disillusioned with the prioritization of profits over people and the planet. Highly processed foods, stripped of nutrients and filled with additives, dominate the market. I believe that wholesome, whole products are essential for our well-being, and that food production should prioritize nutritional value and sustainability.

For me, the decision to support a brand or product hinges on its commitment to fair labor practices, sustainable production methods, and environmentally responsible policies. I look for companies that prioritize transparency, accountability, and fair compensation for their workers.

Ultimately, I don’t have favorite brands. My focus is on making informed choices that align with my values. I believe that consumers have the right to know the story behind the products they buy and to make choices that reflect their priorities. By doing so, we can create a more just and sustainable world, one purchase at a time.

In a world where branding often prioritizes image over substance, I’m committed to looking beyond the label. By choosing products that prioritize people and the planet, we can create a more conscious and compassionate consumer culture.

List the people you admire and look to for advice…

By Tracy Schruder

I have a deep appreciation for individuals whose work has profoundly impacted my life and resonated with my soul. Some of these inspiring figures include Deepak Chopra, Glenn Harrold, Traci Stein, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Melissa Crowhurst, Barbara Anne Brennan, Louise Hay, and Eckhart Tolle. Their insights and teachings have been a source of guidance and transformation for me.

To be honest, I don’t often seek advice from people in general. My current focus is on living in the present moment, witnessing the living experience, and being fully engaged with life as it unfolds. With access to the audiobooks and tracks of these brilliant minds, I draw upon their wisdom and utilize what serves me best. Their teachings have become an integral part of my journey, allowing me to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and awareness.

There was one instance, though, when I did reach out to Glenn Harrold for guidance on my book, and he graciously shared his expertise with me. His audiobooks and hypnosis tracks have been a game-changer for me, sweeping me away with their profound impact. Glenn’s work has not only improved my life but has completely transformed it. I’m grateful for his contribution to my journey.

Do you vote in political elections?

By Tracy Schruder

As someone who absolutely exercises my right to vote in elections, I’ve come to realize that the process can be quite frustrating. One major drawback for me is the lengthy ballot filled with names of people I’ve never met or heard of. I firmly believe that there are too many politicians and government bureaucrats, and this results in a system that feels impersonal.

What bothers me is that we’re expected to be loyal to a party – Liberal, Conservative, NDP, etc. – but often times, I don’t entirely agree with the person’s platform running municipally, provincially, or federally. I might like someone from another party, but the system doesn’t always allow for that nuance. About 60% of the times I’ve voted, I had no idea who the people were on my ballot. I had to rely on the staff members at the voting polls to guide me, which doesn’t always feel trustworthy.

Voting is a personal and private matter, which is why we have a voter’s booth – to ensure our choices remain confidential. It’s no one’s business who I vote for, and I was shocked to receive text messages from government campaigners asking me who I was voting for. Not only is this invasive, but I also have no idea how they got my cell phone number. This kind of communication shouldn’t be allowed; it’s an overstep of boundaries.

I wish candidates would campaign more personally, maybe by calling me on my land line or knocking on my door, to secure my vote by telling me what they’ll do for my community if elected. This would make the process feel more authentic and less confusing. As it stands, I’m left questioning the effectiveness of our electoral system and wondering how we can make it better.

What gives you direction in life?

By Tracy Schruder

That which gives me direction in life is my slow, steady flow of breath and alert awareness. I’m always ready, waiting with wonderment to be a part of everything that is happening. I want to witness it. I chose to watch for signs of direction on how to proceed. I follow through with the instructions and information presented to me by the circumstances and by divine guidance, then I act accordingly.

Do you have a quote you live your life by or think of often?

By Tracy Schruder

I live my life guided by two powerful reminders: a quote that resonates deeply with me, and a personal mantra that keeps me grounded. The quote that shapes my perspective is: “Everything is Temporary.” This simple yet profound truth helps me approach life’s challenges and joys with equanimity, reminding me that nothing lasts forever – not the hard times, nor the good.

Alongside this quote, I repeat a personal mantra to myself: “Everything is working out for me.” This affirmation helps me stay focused on the positive, trusting that even in uncertainty, things are unfolding as they should.

Together, these two principles remind me to stay present, appreciate the moment, and trust in the journey. They inspire me to live with intention and gratitude, embracing each day with an open heart and mind.

What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite?

By Tracy Schruder

For me, Victoria Day is more than just a statutory holiday – it’s a cherished celebration that coincides with a very special occasion. We Canadians affectionately refer to it as the “May 2-4 weekend,” and it’s a time when we take a well-deserved break. The weather is usually favourable for planting so we usually, plant our herbs, flowers and vegetables that weekend. We clean up the yard and gardens to get them ready for summer. While the holiday was originally named to honour Queen Victoria’s birthday, for my husband and me, it’s become a significant date for another reason altogether.

May 18, 2008, was the day we exchanged our vows and began our married life together.

Each year, we celebrate our anniversary during the Victoria Day long weekend. It’s a tradition that holds a lot of meaning for me, and I look forward to it every year.

Not a single Victoria Day has passed since our wedding that I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed, and I’m grateful to have this special time to reflect on our journey together.

This holiday has become an integral part of our lives, and I’m thankful to have such a wonderful way to commemorate our love and commitment to each other.

Have you ever been camping?

By Tracy Schruder

As the most frequent campers at the park, my friends, cousins, siblings and I would gather around the campfire to roast marshmallows and share scary stories. Each of us had a turn and I always wanted to go last and most years, I got my wish. I would listen intently to each person and their stories, encouraging them with sounds of my fright. I always got right into them. When it was my turn, I would turn on a flashlight under my chin, I’d spin a yarn that would leave some listeners trembling with fear. One of my favorite tales was about Agatha Brighter, a young girl who went missing at Bellamy Park in the early 1900s. According to the story, Aggie would lure children into the forest at night, never to be seen again. The warning was clear: don’t venture into the woods after dark, or Aggie would lead you astray, forcing you to remain with her forever.

As a child, I loved going camping with my family at Bellamy Park in Toledo, Ontario, just 20 minutes from Smiths Falls. The park’s 100 acres of scenic beauty, nestled along Bellamy Lake, offered the perfect setting for outdoor adventures. We’d spend our days swimming, playing baseball, and exploring the surrounding woods. But it was the nighttime gatherings around the campfire that remain most vivid in my memory.

Every year, we’d meet new friends and bid farewell at the end of our trip, unsure if we’d ever see them again. Yet, it was always exciting to reunite with friends from previous years. However, not everyone returned to Bellamy Park, and the stories we told around the campfire might have been a reason why.

Another spine-tingling tale was about the graveyard on the hill on the other side of the lake. Legend had it that if you weren’t careful while swimming, you’d wake the dead, and they’d pull you under, dragging you back to their grave. As the years passed, my stories became more elaborate, with added details that sent shivers down the spines of my listeners.

One particular experience still sends chills down my spine. I recall getting lost in the woods late one night, and stumbling upon the graveyard on the hill. It was as if Aggie had led me there, just narrowly missing her grasp. The encounter left me shaken, but it also fueled my imagination, and my scary stories became even more terrifying.

Our last year at Bellamy Park, I was 13 years old, and my campfire tales had reached new heights of terror. I scared some of the little kids to tears, and I knew I’d mastered the art of the campfire scare. Looking back, those trips were more than just fond memories; they were a rite of passage, a way to test our courage and imagination.

Though I no longer camp at Bellamy Park, the memories of those nights around the campfire remain etched in my mind. The thrill of telling scary stories, the laughter, and the camaraderie with friends and family – it’s a nostalgia I’ll always treasure.