The Buddha said, “One who is about to admonish another should realize within himself or herself five qualities before doing so:
(1) At the right time will I speak, not at the wrong time. (2) In truth shall I speak, not in falsehood. (3) Gently will I speak, not harshly. (4) For their benefit will I speak, not for their harm. (5) With kindly intent will I speak, not with anger.
This week use these five qualities to govern your speech. At first your speech may seem a little stilted and pretentious as if you were politician trying to always say the right thing, but the real intent is to speak from the heart rather than from reactivity. Be patient with the process of unlearning your old style of communication and learning a new one.
