Tag: right speech

Which Do You Choose?

“Be careful of your thoughts, for your thoughts become your words.
Be careful of your words, for your words become your actions.
Be careful of your actions, for your actions become your habits.
Be careful of your habits, for your habits become your character. Be careful of your character, for your character becomes your destiny.” – Chinese Proverb

Such wonderful words, and how relevant for today – that we might remember the impact of thought, and the capacity of heart to transcend ‘limitation’.

More specifically, knowing that what we share out into this world – in time, becomes our destiny.

But, what does that really mean? How does thinking manifest to action?

Every day we issue our thoughts out into the universe – sharing the most intimate details of our apprehension, fear, sorrow, joy, and love.

“Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box; they tumble blindly as they make their way across the Universe.”

Casting ripples into waves – and shining brightly, ‘like a million suns’.

Our thoughts create action – they excite, they urge, they compel, they motivate. They offer comfort, courage, optimism and peace. They can bring respite to a restless heart. And, even urge our brothers to finally lay down their arms.

While negative thoughts may introduce and atmosphere of judgement; those which are positive, create a space for compassion.

Having said that – my darlings, which do you choose?

Using Our Words for Good.

Years ago, had you asked me my interpretation of the concept  of ‘right speech’ – I would have offered, “to speak authentically, and always from one’s heart.”

Though, truth be told, in practice my darlings – that’s not fully what it means. That is to say, there’s so much more to the concept of ‘right speech’ than an unfiltered expression of one’s emotion.

Here’s an example.

When I was a little girl, I had a favorite stuffed animal – a little monkey with rubber soled shoes. I took that monkey with me nearly everywhere. Until one day, when my brother through it onto a roaring fire.

“I hate you,” I cried as I ran off to my mother.

Truthful speech? Sure. But, in practice – it didn’t serve my heart.

Years later, I was faced with yet another challenging moment – a dear friend used words that caused my heart to crumble. And though, I could have held that hurt for years – in the end, I made a decision to let it go.

Why?

Because, holding on didn’t bring me joy.

And, isn’t that the test – to have wisdom enough to recognize our suffering, and courage enough to let it go?

Brother Thich Nhat Hanh once shared perhaps the most eloquent interpretation of right speech,

“Knowing that words can create happiness or suffering, I am committed to speaking truthfully using words that inspire confidence, joy, and hope.”

Indeed, knowing that our words can create both suffering or joy – my darlings, it is up to us to choose which we keep.

In my life I’ve finally learned the greatest lesson of all – that is, a peace-filled heart truly is the only way.

And, knowing that the right word can create a ripple effect of peace – my darlings, I choose always to use my words for good.