Sunday, August 12, 2012

Monday Mantra: Improve the Silence

mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered capable of "creating transformation".

Every Monday I will post a new thought, idea, or focus for the week. When you need a breather from life, when you need a little inspiration, or when you're about to jump over the conference table and strangle your co-worker, remember the mantra.


Monday Mantra: Speak only if it improves the silence



In keeping with the theme of the post today, I will keep this short and sweet in hopes that it improves the silence in your space while you read it. 

When I was studying yoga we learned the phrase, "Speak only if it improves the silence." It had never occurred to me before to not fill those awkward, silent moments with nothing but more silence, as opposed to empty words. Or to not say something in response to a question or a conversation if I truly had nothing worthwhile to say, rather than speaking just so I could fit in, so I could belong to that conversation.

When you bring awareness front and center in your dialogue, you suddenly realize how much more you can contribute by ensuring what you're adding has value.

Remember that words have power. Think of a time someone told you they loved you. How did you feel? Or a time someone said something cruel to you- how did you feel then? Or even those times when the only response you got back was an, "Uh huh, yeah, OK" because the other person wasn't really listening. How did that make you feel? 

Words- They can make someone's day, ruin it, destroy a life, heal a broken heart, or get lost in the sea of too much chit chat. 

Be mindful of what you're saying. Next time you don't have something that will add value, try speaking in silence. See what the silence can do for you instead. 


What does your silence say?
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