Speak

Nothing can survive without food. Everything we consume acts either to heal us or to poison us. We tend to think of nourishment only as what we take in through our mouths, but what we consume with our eyes, our ears, our noses, our tongues, and our bodies is also food. The conversations going on around us, and those we participate in, are also food. Are we consuming and creating the kind of food that is healthy for us and helps us grow? When we say something that nourishes us and uplifts the people around us, we are feeding love and compassion. When we speak and act in a way that causes tension and anger, we are nourishing violence and suffering.
— Thích Nhất Hạnh, The Art of Communicating

Reflection:

The words we say and those we don’t say define us. Our voice—our speech—what a beautiful tool. Tool - I feel odd connecting that term as a descriptor to this ability we have, almost as if I am reducing its value in some way. I think maybe -gift may be a better descriptor. If you ever have a down-in-the-dumps-kind-of-day and you are having a hard time thinking of something for which to give thanks—can you speak? If so, why that’s a lot—a lot. Give thanks then and there. Celebrate this ability - it is a magnificent one!

My words help me. I speak, and I express how I am feeling; I communicate and connect. I speak, and I clarify my thoughts; I gain real meaning and correct. I speak, and my words are powerful: I lift up or I tear down with my voice. I speak, and my words are exacting: I declare, I question, I command, I exclaim. I speak; and I release from within a multitude of thought: I testify, encourage, entertain, and persuade. I speak, and I share who I am with those around me. I speak, and the world hears - I sing out and people listen or don’t. Regardless of others, I celebrate who I am with my freedom to speak. I speak my truth. I say what I need to say when I need to say it. Sometimes speaking comes easy, and sometimes—not. Sometimes it takes courage to speak, and I have to be brave. And sometimes it hurts especially when I speak out and am not regarded. But I am faithful to my voice - and my voice - is faithful to me. I breathe in - and I breathe out, and I smile, and I speak - and happiness returns when I consider - I am true.

May all the thoughts I think and words I speak today - be words that build up and beautify me, my home, the people and animals in my home, my neighbors, my community, the world. Again I say, that today, as as I celebrate my ability to speak, may every word I say always be the right word, and may everything I take-in and talk-out today be nourishing.

I want to hear from you too. Speak up. What is it that you want to say? Comment below; let’s dialog.

 

Bullet Journaling connection.

 
 

Questions:

  • Do you have more positive of negative connotations of the word speak?

  • Do you make plans to speak, or does speaking just happen in your life?

  • What is it that you would like to say?

  • Do you speak from your heart?

  • Do you say what you need to say?

  • What can I learn from speak?

 

Gratitude:

I am so thankful for my ability to speak. I am grateful for the way that I speak. I am thankful for my realization of how important my voice is. I am thankful that when I speak, I always say the right things. I am thankful that when I speak and communicate in any way, it is nourishing and not toxic to myself or others. I give thanks that I speak, and I am heard. I that to someone, my speaking makes a difference.

 

Blessings

Thank you for joining me today! I hope you have a beautiful rest of your day! Please leave a comment below. I would like to know your thoughts on this word: speak- May you have the courage to say what you need to say today. Love and Light ~ Namaste!

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