Vietnamese Buddhist Thich Nhat HanhReading Vietnamese Buddhist Thich Nhat Hanh this New Year’s morning, I came across the perfect resolution in 2009 for all those interested in improving their communication skills and especially representatives of the mainstream media and the blogosphere.
Deep Listening and Loving Speech is the fourth of the five mindfulness trainings:
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.
A safe and happy new year to all Katalusis readers,
Virginia
Deep Listening and Loving Speech is beautiful, and very similar to the 4 Agreements which I have been attempting to practice. Thank you for again, another inspirational beginning to the new day and yes, the new year. Gratitude to you for sharing your thoughts and mindfulness with us! It has been a sincere pleasure. Let us begin this new year with all effort to listen, share, and hope for all good things and to remain silent no longer regarding misogyny, sexism, and hate anywhere in our world.
ReplyDeleteI forgot ~ the photo is wonderful also!
ReplyDeleteHello again, Becky,
ReplyDeleteI count your comments at Katalusis as one of my continued blessings at the beginning of a new year!
Best wishes.
Virginia
ReplyDeleteYour kind words are so appreciated. I too am blessed ~ this wonderfully informative and inspirational blog was one of my favorite 'finds' of 2008! Thank you.
Hi Becky,
ReplyDeleteI look forward to hearing from you throughout this new year.
Best wishes,
Virginia