The 4 Agreements as an Arts Based Project
Inquiry Project Based on the Toltec Teachings of don Miguel Ruiz
Jan 23, 2009
Design a creative arts assignment so that students become familiar with the philosophy of don Miguel Ruiz. By making his simple principles for living visible, art teachers can present practical aspects of class ethos for discussion. Once these installations, performances or paintings are viewed, practical strategies for integration of the “ideals for class living” can be devised. Ideas about personal integrity can become an aspect of the common language of the class. Strategies for vitalizing and revitalizing the philosophy within the class ethos can be consolidated as classroom relationships develop during the year.
A Toltec Wisdom Book
Begin the Creative Arts academic year by asking students to read The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book) by Don Miguel Ruiz [Amber-Allen Publishing, 1997].
By starting the semester exploring this material, teachers set the scene for a year of artistic excellence in a classroom with a thriving ethos of cooperation and empowerment.
Why the Four Agreements?
The four agreements provide a philosophy of integrity, which can help students see clearly how to reach personal goals, whilst they function productively within a community context characterised by integrity and persistence.
The four agreements are
- Be impeccable with your word.
- Don't take anything personally.
- Don't make assumptions.
- Always do your best.
A Class Project About Striving for Artistic Excellence.
Have students work in groups.
Ask students to read the text in small groups who
- Research the life of the writer. Ruiz came from a Mexican family of traditional healers. Students can research his profession, and find out about the near-death experience that caused him to reexamine his life and his beliefs. This may help them come to understanding of how people come to think about their own philosophy for living.
- Examine Ruiz's teachings, which focus on dreams and visions. Ruiz claims dreaming is the main function of the mind. This will provide the students with a rich source of inspiration.
- Creatively present one of the four "agreements" detailed in the book. Create an artistic statement capturing the essence of the agreement.
A Synthesis of Empowering Ideas
Towards the end of the presentations it will become clear how these agreements synthesize to create a larger picture of unconditional human faith.
Ruiz is a clear simple writer whose work is easily accessed by students. They will enjoy the clarity with which he has reduced the content to four simple clear ideas.
Multi Modal Approach to the Text
Ask the students to respond to the text in any medium or in a multi modal manner.
Simple ways that students could explore the central ideas, imagery and philosophy of the text are
- freeze frames and tableau
- short one act play
- group mural or painting
- illustration
- poetry
- installation
- animation
Predicted Educational Outcomes
One of the many values of this assignment is that students will be able to see the way others have interpreted the text. Because students see how others think and respond to the material, which is so integral to the basics of being a good class member, the assignment is predicted to have a galvanizing effect on the class.
Possible outcomes are that the presentations will assist students to
- clarify personal and group values
- present the students with ideas about staying focused
- help students understand the notion of personal integrity
- help students find ways to proffer tentative artistic statements so that they can work on and refine them during the year
- think about why they are doing the arts subjects
- encourage students to be clear with regards the level of their own commitment to the integrity of their art and the class synergy
Assessing the Usefulness of the Task
Students should enjoy working with this simple text. To help them revise and consolidate knowledge, ask them to keep a process journal throughout the semester. This will assist them to keep a record of ways this material and exercise were helpful. Towards the end of the semester or year the project can be revisited.
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