Speak with Loving Kindness

Words Matter

Truth is rarely absolute and the only genuinely infallible position is that of love. You might feel compelled to express your perspective as fact, but everyone feels like their particular truth is the correct one. By digging in your heels and asserting your reality to the exclusion of all others, you are denying yourself the chance to grow and expand your world.

You can share how you feel without attacking, hurting or offending others. Think before you speak and consider whether raising your voice is appropriate in each situation. Ask yourself:

-What response am I looking for when I talk to this person?

-Do I want to experience harmony, have a thoughtful and considered exchange with equal weight given to both people’s opinions or do I want to be right?

If you feel called to correct someone, point something out or assert your opinion, consider whether you can do so in a manner that allows them to grow their own understanding.

When you communicate with others, are you direct and only interested in getting your perspective across, or do you encourage, reassure, comfort and inspire? When you engage with others, notice when you are listening and when you are simply waiting to speak. Make an effort to listen to the perspectives of others before sharing your insights in a way they can understand.

If gentleness, kindness and consideration were rare in your household growing up, you might need to cultivate mindfulness of others. When you share with others from a place of warmth and openness, your words are imbued with wisdom, not judgement. With love, you engage with others without censure and encourage them to rise to your level of engagement.

Healing Practice

To integrate the guidance of this card, you may wish to perform the following healing practice.

Exercise

Think of someone you would like to open a dialogue with who has been frustrating to converse with. Imagine them standing in front of you. Think of five kind things you can say about them and voice them aloud. How do the words feel inside your mouth? Are they weighted, pleasant, tingling or burning?

Take a pen and paper and brainstorm what you would like to say to them and how. What do you want from your interaction? Consider how you might adjust your approach to open a productive dialogue. Jot down strategies, opening remarks and points of importance or concern.

Once you have written down what you want to say, sleep on it. In the morning, reread it and sense whether there is anything you need to adjust. With this in mind, rehearse what you want to say in your head or out loud. Imagine conversing with them in detail. Then, if possible, speak to this individual in person or over the phone. If it’s not possible, record a message or write them a letter or email.