Spiritual Archives

The Fifth Agreement: Context, Impact, and Reception

What are the historical and intellectual contexts of The Fifth Agreement? What impact has the book had? What do the critics say? In The Fifth Agreement, don Miguel Ruiz and don Jose Ruiz describe five “agreements” to make with yourself that adjust the way you see the world and your place in it. According to the authors, these agreements speak to the hearts of all people—everyone who’s learned a language, participated in a culture, and grown up around other people. They’re a series of intuitively common-sense principles we are all aware of—but which few of us actually practice. Those who

Know Your “Why”: The Key to Staying on Track

Do you struggle to find the motivation to work on your goals? Do you often get sidetracked? Once you’ve figured out what goals to pursue and where to start, turn your attention to why you want to achieve them. The road to your goals can be long and arduous, so reminding yourself of your “Why” can keep you going despite the obstacles. Here’s how to know your “Why,” according to motivational speaker Brian Tracy.

The Toltec Path to Enlightenment: A Quest for Freedom

What is the path to enlightenment according to the Toltec? What do they mean by enlightenment? The Toltec path to enlightenment involves three stages: the mirage of “the real world,” the seed of doubt, and the freedom of control. Authors don Miguel Ruiz and don Jose Ruiz describe these three phases as subjective realities. The Ruizes believe that, once you break through these stages, you reach total personal freedom. Continue reading to understand the Toltec path to enlightenment.

Toltec Philosophy and the Road to Personal Freedom

What does Toltec philosophy say about reality? What is its view of enlightenment? Toltec philosophy asserts that we tend to carry false beliefs. When we challenge those beliefs and overcome them, we become more and more free. Authors don Miguel Ruiz and don Jose Ruiz (the naguals) discuss three stages that we go through on the road to total personal freedom (enlightenment). Continue reading to learn the Toltec philosophy of enlightenment.

5 Tips for Overcoming Creative Blocks

Do you often get stuck in your creative process? How do artists deal with creative blocks? According to Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of Big Magic, if your creative process doesn’t flow, you may be fearful of the uncertainty that is inherent in creating something innovative or novel. Or perhaps, you are creating for the wrong reason (e.g. strictly to make money). In this article, we’ll discuss Gilbert’s tips for overcoming creative blocks.

Don’t Make Assumptions: The Third Agreement

What does the third agreement “don’t make assumptions” actually mean? What difference could it make if you made this agreement with yourself? Don Miguel Ruiz and don Jose Ruiz, in their book The Fifth Agreement, discuss five “agreements” that you can make with yourself. These agreements affect your perspective of the world and how you fit into it. The third agreement is this: Don’t make assumptions. Read more to learn a healthy alternative to making assumptions.

Elizabeth Gilbert: Where Does Creativity Come From?

Where does creativity come from? And is there a way to invite it into your life? According to Elizabeth Gilbert, creativity comes from “Big Magic”—a mystical force where creative ideas reside. This force is bigger than us and cannot be explained scientifically or proven empirically. It is an eternal cosmic entity that creatives must have faith in. Keep reading to learn where creativity comes from, according to Elizabeth Gilbert.

Big Magic: Quotes From Elizabeth Gilbert

Are you looking for Big Magic quotes by Elizabeth Gilbert? What are some of the most noteworthy passages worth revisiting? In her book Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert offers both spiritual wisdom on how to work with the magical forces of creativity, as well as suggestions on how to create effectively and productively. Gilbert draws on her successful career as a writer, best known for her 2006 memoir Eat Pray Love, and her advice is aimed toward anyone who has a creative bent. Below is a selection of Big Magic quotes with explanations.

How to Maintain Your Creative Momentum

Does your creative muse come and leave out of the blue? How can you maintain your creative inspiration in the long run, and ideally, for the rest of your life? Creativity is a capricious force—it can come and go at the most unexpected times. If you want to maintain your creative momentum, you must subdue this force to your control. In this article, we’ll discuss several big-picture approaches you should take to your creativity to keep your creative juices flowing.

The Reward: The Hero’s Journey Ends With the Maiden

What is the reward in the hero’s journey? How does the Irish legend of Cuchulainn illustrate this stage of the hero’s journey? The reward in the hero’s journey is often represented in the form of a beautiful woman that the hero marries after overcoming the hardships of his quest for herohood. This is perfectly illustrated in the Irish legend of Cuchulainn. He was only able to marry Emer (his love interest) after he had successfully completed the dangerous quest of learning supernatural arts from the warrior woman Scathach. Read on to learn more about the reward stage of the hero’s