Keeping it Positive
Daily Passage
Reflections
Many of the proverbs today are related to communication: how we speak to others. The words relate to what we say and how we listen and respond to others. They advise openness to the suggestions of others and a gentleness in speaking. Communication is so very important. The way we communicate is a service to ourselves and others.
I have referred to Thich Nhat Hanh’s work, The Art of Communicating before, but think of it again this morning because it applies so well. After reading this work by him, I understood even more fully than before just how important communication with others is to the peace of our world and became much more mindful of how I communicate with others. World peace really does start with us and for the most part how we communicate. If we serve the world in no other way, let this be our choice of service! Even a smile can move mountains!
I work as a public high school teacher. I have served many years in this position. Often harsh words are directed at me. For many years, I absorbed those words and often reacted to them with a controlled harshness - pushing back equally with the force that was thrown my way. After reading The Art of Communicating, I became more mindful of this almost subconscious cycle that was happening which resulted in an environment all too often bereft of joy.
Now I am able to envision this harsh words directed at me as balls of fire that I have super powers over. I can actually catch them and diffuse their power: they dissolve into smoke in my hands and, like a magician, in place of the fireball, I produce a flower of peace, that I offer up to the class as a whole, its fragrance fill the room with a calmness and full satisfaction of the knowledge - this classroom is a place of peace where only happy vibes will thrive.
This works! A few days ago, we wrapped up fall semester. After class, a student sent me a very kind note, and one of the things she wrote in it to me was,” thanks for always keeping everything positive.” I was so thankful for those words and so very thankful of my new ability. Well I say new, but I know I had had the ability all along — we all do.
A list of all of the proverbs in today’s chapter 15 that are about communicating:
15 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
. . .
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
. . .
7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
. . .
10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
. . .
12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
. . .
18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
. . .
22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
. . .
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
. . .
28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
29 The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
. . .
note: I have used the King James Version because it is a beautiful translations poetically and it is in the public domain.
serve
“The best way to find yourself is to be yourself in the service of others.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
Eight Affirmations of Gratitude
I am grateful for communication.
I am thankful that I have learned to be more mindful of how I communicate with others, realizing just how important communication with others is.
An give thanks for my ability to learn from others.
I am thankful for all my teachers.
I am thankful for all of the kind words that have been spoken to me in my life thus far.
I give thanks for all of the interactions I have had with others.
I am thankful that I can serve others through my voice.
I am grateful that I have something to say and a voice to say it.
Questions to Consider
How am I communicating to those around me and is it always in a kind, patient, and loving manner?
Are the words I speak always true?
How can I improve the way I communicate with others?
Blessings
Thank you for joining me. May you have the super powers to diffuse all of the negative balls served your way and may you serve back only love. Love and light to you my friends. Namaste.