If you found a simple path to inner peace and joy, would you choose it? According to the Toltec philosophy, it would depend almost entirely on your beliefs. For example, if you do not believe that a simple path can actually lead to peace…if you do not believe that inner peace is even attainable in this lifetime…and if you do not believe that you deserve to have peace and joy, chances are you would not choose a simple spiritual path if you found it, no matter how fervently you think you believe that you want peace and joy.

“Our beliefs define our actions,” notes Toltec wisdom teacher Ed Fox. “All life is a choice. But whether the choice is conscious or unconscious is up to you.” How do we make a conscious choice in our lives, whether for a spiritual path to follow or a brand of car to buy? How do we see – really see – our options?

“The study of Toltec philosophy is not the study of intellectual knowledge,” Ed says. “Rather, it is an experiential path of finding our own living wisdom, or what the Toltecs call ‘Silent Knowledge.’ We aim to uncover and heal our beliefs so that we can learn what does and does not serve us. From that awareness, we become more able to choose in the present moment how we want to create our lives.”

The Toltecs, an ancient Mesoamerican culture, studied the question of how to become more conscious in their everyday living so that their choices created happiness and freedom in their lives. They were known as “artists of the Spirit,” and the art they created was the Art of Life. Ed, a long-time student of don Miguel Ruiz, author of the best-selling Toltec wisdom book The Four Agreements, has dedicated much of the past two years to bringing the Toltecs' profound, yet simple, ideas to seekers in Northeast Ohio.

The Toltec philosophy first made its mark on modern culture in 1999 with The Four Agreements. In the book, don Miguel describes four “agreements” we can make with ourselves to heal any wounded belief systems we hold. The agreements are: 1) Be impeccable with your word, 2) Do not take anything personally, 3) Do not make assumptions, and 4) Always do your best.

“Miguel wrote the book very simply, on purpose,” Ed says, “This was his way of making the knowledge accessible to as many people as possible.” Ed, who has been involved in teaching and instructing since 1969, is one of a core group of apprentices who have studied with don Miguel since the early 1990s and continues working closely with him today.

A companion workbook to The Four Agreements was published soon after the first book, offering readers practical exercises to develop their awareness and transform their beliefs. “But at a certain point, whether you follow the four agreements or one of the other beautiful spiritual paths available today, some people want to go deeper,” Ed says. “You know you have to find the very core foundations of your current structure so you can gently dismantle it and create something new that works better for you. That's why I created the Toltec Mastery program.”

In the program, a committed group of students meets with Ed for a three-day weekend every other month, over a one-year period. The weekends combine discussion, experiential exercises and small group work. There are also occasional ceremonies, including the Toltec all-night dreaming ceremony called a Mitote. The group works on the areas of life that still offer the greatest challenges to personal growth, such as relationships, family, sexuality and spirituality in the work place.

“Working with a group in a regular, intensive way goes much farther towards allowing a person to really experience and contact the Silent Knowledge of who they are,” Ed says. “Over time, the seeds that are sown can ripen and bear fruit, just as in nature. We learn and share practical tools that allow us to change those deeply rooted core beliefs and transform our lives into beautiful, creative works of art.”

Since The Four Agreements was published, people across the country adopting these four agreements as a way of living are experiencing the pleasure of their lives improving a little at a time. Anyone can follow the Toltec path. It is not a religion, and it welcomes everyone. “It can be integrated with anyone's personal mythology or spiritual beliefs,” Ed says.

So, how would you like to live your life? Do you want to choose consciously to make decisions and take actions that result in your happiness and personal freedom? If you believe a simple path can bring inner peace and joy, the Toltec path awaits.

A new Toltec Mastery group is forming to work in a committed way with Ed Fox for 2005. For information, call (216) 321-2616 or email j.rothman@sbcglobal.net. An application for the Toltec Mastery Group can be found on Ed's web site at www.intentcoaching.com.

Jean Rothman has worked as a freelance writer and editor for more than 25 years.

Photos by Bob Perkoski, www.Perkoski.com.