Hi, and welcome to your Daily Mindfulness.

You know, what we say, and how we

communicate really matters because our

words can be like weapons that cause

harm or suffering, or they can be

bringers of comfort, love, and peace.

But the challenge that we face, right,

is that nowhere else in life, are we

challenged so much and triggered so

much and become reactive so much as in

our relationships with other people.

You know, I remember a day in my own

life where I was meditating in the

morning and I felt really present and

grounded, but then by midday, I'd already

spoken harsh words to a family member.

It takes a conscious effort to

keep bringing presence, integrity,

and kindness into the way we

navigate our relationships.

So.

Zen master poet and peace activist,

Thich Nhat Hanh has this inspiring

modern version of the Buddha's

teaching on rights speech that

really strikes a chord with me.

It's written as a commitment that we

can make should we wish to dedicate

ourselves to more mindful speech.

He says, "Aware of the suffering caused

by unmindful speech and the inability

to listen to others, I'm committed

to cultivating loving speech and

deep listening in order to bring joy,

happiness, and love to others in order

to also relieve the suffering of others.

And knowing that words can create

happiness or suffering, I'm determined

to learn to speak truthfully with words

that inspire confidence, joy, and hope.

I will not spread news that I do not know

to be true, and I will not criticize or

condemn things of which I am not sure.

I will refrain from uttering

words that cause division or

discord or words that cause the

family or the community to break.

I am determined to make all

efforts to reconcile and resolve

all conflicts, however, small."

So I love this.

Mindful speech helps us realize

and express our potential as human

beings to bring more compassion,

wisdom, and kindness into the world.

So, if you care to, if this teaching

kind of resonates with you, let's make

a joint commitment this week to use our

words wisely, to listen deeply and to

allow our interactions with others to

inspire happiness, connection and love.