Speak Kindly

"Sometimes, my greatest accomplishment is just keeping my mouth shut." There is something very powerful about this statement. Often times, we are so quick to react, comment, judge and criticize, rather than sitting back and taking in the situation. Before we speak, we really need to think about what we are saying. If we all spent a bit of extra time thinking, before we speak, there would be far less conflicts.

In Don Miguel Ruiz's Four Agreements, Agreement One is Be impeccable with your word - "Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love." What a profound and truly life altering agreement. If we all spoke with thoughtful kindness, we would go about our day feeling abundantly content and at peace. When you don't react to a difficult situation with a feeling of negativity using hurtful words, you will find that no person, place or thing can irritate or annoy you, this creating a more peaceful existence. Only you have the ultimate power to create this peaceful and balanced life for yourself.

Furthermore, if you can surround yourself with positive people, it will be to your benefit because happiness, light and love are contagious.... so spread the love! Be with people who encourage and inspire you rather than drain your of purpose. My father recently turned 70 years old. Happy Birthday Bob-Pa! Bob is a man of few words. I used to think that he didn't speak much because he wasn't thinking about anything. On the contrary, Bob is the type of person who is constantly thinking and silently doing for the better of mankind. He does not need praise or accolades and is genuine in his quiet manner in which he helps others. My mother and I are doers, but we have always had to talk about what we are doing. Analyzing and reiterating each life situation over and over. I find as I am getting older, it is easier to take the eagle eye's view of a situation, rather than instantly reacting...and then when appropriate swoop down and react.

It's Monday, a fresh new week is ahead of us. Take the time to set good intentions and make good choices this week. Speak kindly.

As Deepak Chopra so eloquently states "To make the right choices in life, you have to get in touch with your soul. To do this, you need to experience solitude, which most people are afraid of, because in the silence you hear the truth and know the solutions." Challenge yourself to sit in silence, if only for a few minutes...take time to think, pause, reflect and process before you speak. Smile as today is a new day! Namaste