Kind, Necessary, True

Some yogi said it. Or some other spiritual guide. I heard these words, these rules, this commitment to better communication, in a yoga class. This particular class wasn't my favorite yoga class. In fact, although this teaching has had quite an impact on me, I didn't enjoy the yoga part of the class and have never returned. Too much un-necessary talking, not enough true yoga-ing.

If you really take this into your life, I mean really think before you speak (or type) and ask yourself if what you are about to say is kind, is it necessary, is it true, I believe there would be a lot less talking in the world. It would be a calmer, quieter, kinder place.

I have attempted to take this in to my life in the past month, but it's hard. I'm not used to thinking before I speak. I enjoy sarcasm. It makes me laugh - a lot! But it never seems to be necessary. And the instant, "Fine" response to, "how are you?" isn't really true.

I have to wonder if incorporating kindness, necessity, and truth into my communications is really such a great idea. I'm definitely not as funny, and I am really funny usually. There is no way I'm as much fun to be around either. Really, who wants to know that I've got stomach problems or menstral cramps. In fact, I would have argue that a lot of what might be considered unnecessary talk is actually very necessary. Small talk, discussion of the weather, asking people how they are even though you may not care or listen or know who they are, is a very important part of human interaction. And let's face it, being untruthful is sometimes the only way to be kind.

Kind, necessary and true, for me is like ice cream or alcohol, fine in moderation, but you have to know when to stop. You can have too much of a good thing.

Posted at 04:16PM Mar 22, 2006 by sarad in General  |