(Adapted from “Awakening the Buddhist Heart” by Lama Surya Das)
This exercise is devoted to setting aside one day to devote to Right Speech. We will commit to using speech in a way that furthers Loving Kindness, Compassion, Joy in the Happiness of Others, and thus promoting Equanimity.
The most difficult part of this contemplation is remembering to DO IT!
So use a Post It Note and put it somewhere that you will see when you wake up in the AM. (mirror, refrigerator, dashboard, etc)
Start the day off with a gentle commitment to use speech in a way that devoted to harmony, kindness and gentleness.
Every aspect of speech is on the table today. Even very mundane requests such as “please close the door” should be said in a tone of voice that is in keeping with Right Speech.
Find ways to keep your words gentle, loving, accurate, and positive, even if you are upset- especially if you are upset!
See if you can discover new and better ways to talk to others that may open new channels of communications.
Speak only the truth and don’t use words to manipulate and control others.
Don’t gossip. Nothing should be said about others that wouldn’t be said if they were present.
Use your speech to encourage those around you.
Express your positive thoughts about others. We often tend to keep these inside, but today we can express them- See what this feels like!
Don’t engage in mindless chatter. If there is silence, let silence be for a moment and resist the urge to fill that space with chatter.
Cultivate speech today that is simple, gentle, and kind.
Don’t interrupt others. Let people finish their thoughts and sentences.
Try to make at least one person feel better because of something you say today.
Use your words to convey friendship, and support.
Include “Self Talk” in our commitment to Mindful Speech today!!
Remember to follow all these guidelines in our phone conversations
At the end of the day Reflect back on your Day of Right Speech. Remember to include gentleness to ourselves in this reflection.
