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Day ❍ Wise Speech

“No on can hurt you more than an unwise thought. No one can help you more than a wise thought. ”
— Jack Kornkield

Practicing Wise Speech

One way to bring balance to our voice is through practicing Wise Speech, a principle from Buddhist teachings. Our speech can bring comfort and it can start wars.  Before speaking, ask yourself these questions:

  1. Is it true?  Is it really true?

  2. Is it to their benefit?

  3. Is it not harsh/of kind intent

  4. Does it help us to connect?

  5. Do I need to say this now?

It’s not just about what we say, but how we say it. And more than that, it’s about the intention behind our words. We might deliver something in a polished way, but if our intention isn’t clear or kind, the other person can feel it.

“We can become the medicine.
Others will be cruel, we will be kind... thus we should incline the heart. ”
— The Buddha

ACTIONS

  • Experiment with Wise Speech. Use the questions above to guide your conversations, whether with others or with yourself.

JOURNAL

  • Ask your voice what it wants to say, then write for 10 minutes without editing. Let it all out. Have a place to put the harsher things you want to say.