Be Impeccable with your Word

“Be Impeccable With Your Word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.” ~ don Miguel Ruiz
 
In the continuing blog series focusing on the book the Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz, today we will talk about the first agreement: Be Impeccable with your Word.  According to Ruiz, the first agreement is the most important agreement but it is the most difficult one to keep. You might be thinking to yourself that it sounds simple and not understand why it is the most difficult agreement to honor.  The answer lies within the fact that you manifest everything in life through your word. Thoughts become things.
 
It is imperative to recognize that the word is not just what you speak aloud, but it is also the thoughts you have about yourself and others.  It includes the written word and all of the things you communicate in texts, emails and other written communication.  The word is a force, it has energy and can be used for good or evil.  Your kind words can heal and bring beauty and love and your harsh words can cause pain and suffering.  Depending on how you use words, you can set yourself and others free or enslave them.
 
Don Miguel Ruiz tells us that impeccability means “without sin.” He is not talking about the “sin” that most organized religions discuss.  He shares that everything you feel, think or say against yourself is a sin.  When you judge yourself or blame yourself for things, you are not being impeccable with your word   So, to follow this agreement, you will not judge or blame yourself. You will be mindful of all you say and do and take responsibility for your actions. You can measure the impeccability of your word by your level of self-love.  When you are impeccable with your word, you feel good, happy and at peace.
 
To practice this agreement, pay attention to your thoughts, oral and written communication.  Look at how you speak to yourself and others.  What thoughts run through your head when you look at yourself in a mirror or see others in the world?  Slow down and pay attention to what you are going to say before you speak. One of the key practices I try to follow is asking the following questions by Socrates before I speak:

• Is it True?
• Is it Kind?
• Is it Necessary?

 
In many cases, the first two statements are true, but the last is not.  It is usually my ego that wants to speak and share a story.  By asking these questions, I don’t talk as much and am more likely to be impeccable with my word.
 
Are you impeccable with your word including your thoughts, oral and written communication?
 
How can you incorporate the first agreement to be impeccable with your word into your daily life?