A DAY OF RIGHT SPEECH - A HEALING PRACTICE
Why not choose a day that will be devoted to using your words to fulfill your highest spiritual aspirations? May this day of Right Speech bring gentle blessings to those around us and may the blessings extend throughout the world.
Here are some suggestions for things you can do:
— Start the day with a heartfelt aspiration that reaffirms your intention to always speak with compassion and love.
— Center and collect yourself each time you speak. Be mindful of all your words. Even if you want to say something as banal as "please pass the pol sambol," be conscious of your tone of voice, and whether you are saying what you really want to say.
— Find ways to keep your words gentle, loving, accurate, and positive. Do this even if you're annoyed and upset.
— See if you can discover better ways to talk to others that will open up new channels of communication.
— Don't lie and don't use words to manipulate or control others.
— Don't gossip.
— Don't say anything about anyone that you wouldn't say if that person were present.
— Use your words to encourage those around you.
— Don't chatter; don't use words just to fill empty spaces with noise. Don't become nervous about the absence of speech; allow yourself and others to be silent.
— Don't interrupt others; let the people round you finish their sentences and express their thoughts.
— Use your words to express gentleness and kindness.
— Try to make at least one person feel better because of something you say.
— Use your words to convey friendship, encouragement, and support.
— Try to phone and connect with at least one loved one with whom you have lost touch.
A day of right speech can only help your kamma.
Keep up the good word!
