Speak With Awareness, Not Impulse

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.