The Words We Speak

I clearly haven't felt much like writing lately. Apologies for taking a few weeks off from sharing my weekly class talk!! This week, while I'm waiting for writer's block to clear, I thought I'd share a quote that I've been living and breathing lately. May clear, honest communication be our first and only option."Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech and the inability to listen to others, I vow to cultivate loving speech and deep listening in order to bring joy and happiness to others and relieve others of their suffering. Knowing that words can create happiness or suffering, I vow to learn to speak truthfully, with words that inspire self-confidence, joy, and hope. I am determined not to spread news that I do not know to be certain and not to criticize or condemn things of which I am not sure. I will refrain from uttering words that can cause division or discord, or that can cause the family or the community to break. I will make all efforts to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however small."

~ Thích Nhất Hạnh