Loving Speech, Listening

Aware of the suffering

caused by unmindful speech

and the inability to listen to others,

I am committed to cultivating

loving speech

and deep listening …

to bring joy and happiness to others

and relieve others of their suffering.

Knowing … words

can create happiness or suffering,

I am committed to learning

to speak truthfully,

with words that inspire self-confidence,

joy, and hope.

I am determined not to spread news

I do not know to be certain

and not to criticize or condemn things

of which I am not sure.

I shall refrain from uttering words

that cause division or discord,

or that can cause the family or the community

to break.

I shall make all efforts

to reconcile and resolve

all conflicts,

however small.

Speech can be constructive or destructive.

Mindful speaking can bring real happiness;

unmindful speech can destroy life.

When someone tells us something

that makes us healthy and happy,

that is the greatest gift she can give.

—Thich Nhat Hanh, The Art of Power