Jeanne Templeman and Associates - Psychotherapy, Case Management & Consultation
For Students
I  enjoy being an educator.  As an adjunct clinical nursing professor with two universities in Sacramento, I integrate the principles of Don Miguel Ruiz' Four Agreements throughout my support and supervision with students as they work with their clients.  I repeatedly tell them I employ the principles myself, and routinely weave Miguel Ruiz' principles within my work as a therapist when I see clients individually or in groups:

Dear Psych Nursing Students,
 
I came across this quote by William Butler Yeats and it really appeals to me as adjunct clinical faculty:

"Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire!" 

  As Mrs. Doubtfire said, “Pump those neurons….Expand those craniums!”   And take time to have fun.  (It’s good for the neurotransmitters).

Professor Jeanne Templeman                       


THE FOUR AGREEMENTS

Don Miguel Ruiz, MD
From the Four Agreements Companion Book with Janet Mills (Paraphrased)

BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD:  Speak with integrity saying only what you mean and mean what you say.  Avoid using words to speak negatively toward yourself or others, including gossip.  Avoid “stinking thinking”, automatic negative thoughts, and negative self-talk.  It is an assault to the Self.  Use the power of your thoughts and words in the direction of truth, love, affirmation and equanimity.

DON’T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY:  Nothing others do is because of you.  Although others may react to your actions, they are still projecting the “charge” of their inner reality, memories, developmental formation and external traumas.  When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

DON’T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS:  Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want.  Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama.  This extends to refraining from sending double-messages.  “With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.”

ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST:  Are you “always” going to be at your “best”?  Well, no. Your best is going to change from moment to moment, thus it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to when you are distressed or not well.  No one is perfect.  Under any circumstance, simply do your best and you will avoid self-judgment, stinking-thinking, self-abuse, regret, “what-if’s”, and “woulda-coulda-shoulda” self-talk that is nonproductive.  Instead, look for the silver lining, and pat yourself (and others) on the back for simply doing your best.