Satya: Speaking With Compassion and Intention
The Principal of Mindful Communication
Times have definitely changed the way we speak to one another as well as the means by which we exchange that information. Nowadays, the go-to is either text, email or through any of the various social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat), creating a disconnect in human interaction. However, the desire to express oneself has increased by default since it is now the best way to market yourself or stay in contact with friends and family.
The downfall is in the overwhelming need to be on your phone while doing a million other things. No one ever looks up because they’re too busy scrolling through reels and cute videos of dogs (GUILTY!) instead of actual human interaction. We witnessed a surge in this shift during the pandemic where we were isolated from our loved ones. Because of this, many folks have become withdrawn and don’t see the need in having to communicate much, or at all.
Throughout his life, Thich Nhat Hanh’s work was centered on the principal of mindfulness: to be fully conscious in the current moment. He practiced and taught this as a way of meditation. If you were washing dishes, you would wash one dish at a time. Never in anticipation of the next dish to wash, nor anything left to do after washing all the dishes. In his book, “The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation”, he states: Only by practicing mindfulness will we be able to look at everyone else with the open mind and eyes of love. In communicating, this refers to how we think before we speak. Gathering your thoughts and emotions of the current situation in order to consciously articulate what is said. To be mindful in your way of communicating, is to listen to the words you are willing to say and reflect if it is the most effective choice of words.
“Only by practicing mindfulness will we be able to look at everyone else with the open mind and eyes of love.” - Thich Nhat Hanh
The Truth Behind Compassion and Intention
Nischala Joy Devi says: You have to have integrity and humility to realize that the truth may be bigger than you. In each moment you must ask yourself: “Am I speaking truth? or am I just giving my opinion filtered through my mind and all my prejudices?” On any given day, you may find yourself in a disagreement over what may seem like the smallest of miscommunications because of unsolicited advice or different views. It’s important to remember there are always two different interpretations (sometimes more) to any situation, and what may be true to you, may not be true to someone else.
Satya teaches us to evaluate and reflect on our belief systems and how they may have influenced what we may think of as true. As we meet other folks with different walks of life, we may encounter what we believe to be discrepancies or falsehoods instead of recognizing this is their truth. When we are able to create a line of where you can ask instead of assume, we embrace those differences and become more knowledgeable of others. Thus, creating a world of less confusion and more compassion for one another when we give the space to listen.
“Satya teaches us to evaluate and reflect on our belief systems and how they may have influenced what we may think of as true.”
It is less likely for someone who practices Satya to be misunderstood or be perceived as offensive or crude. When you are living your truth, not only are you intentional with your words, how you express yourself and your actions will speak volumes of clarity for all to hear.
Speaking From Your Highest Self
There might have been a time you needed to refrain from speaking the full truth in order to avoid conflict. Knowing when and how to speak to someone is not an easy task. We all have different ways of communicating, and for some of us, words are hard. However, not speaking your truth may lead to unnecessary resentment or worse, you might end up getting yourself caught in whatever story you made up originally.
“Truth never damages a cause that is just.” - Mahatma Ghandi
At the end of the day, the truth not only sets you free, it gives you peace of mind. Choosing when and how to speak to anyone, including yourself, is vital to avoid lasting damage. With so much information (real and fiction), it’s helpful to reflect on what may entice or trigger you. What is either of those reactions telling you about your own truth?
