Impeccable Speech and Receiving
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“Oh crap. It’s time to get up.”
Vs.
“Thank you for the gift of this beautiful day!”
How would your day feel different depending upon the first thought to enter your mind?
What might be the difference in your day based upon the first thought to enter your mind?
RIGHT SPEECH
Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements, published in 1997, popularized a code of conduct to transform our lives. The book gained notoriety after it was endorsed by Oprah Winfrey in 2001. It has been touted by many, including Tom Brady.
The Four Agreements are:
Be Impeccable With Your Word.
Don't Take Anything Personally.
Don't Make Assumptions.
Always Do Your Best.
Be Impeccable with your word means to take responsibility for one's actions and remain without judgment against oneself and others. This agreement focuses on the significance of speaking with integrity and carefully choosing words before saying them aloud; “right speech.”
For example:
I have to go to work. vs. I have the opportunity to go to work.
I have to workout vs. I can work out today.
Richard Rohr’s daily meditation post from August 19 got me thinking further about this topic of linguistics. In “Receiving Images,” he discussed how when we change a common phrase, we change its perception and process. Instead of “taking” pictures, he invites us to “receive” images; to be present enough so that, when the photographic moment arrives, we can receive it fully, with our whole hearts.
This change in vernacular offers an experience like how we might welcome the presence of spirit in contemplation. In this manner, our speech can be a contemplative practice that changes our perception and experience with reality; impeccable speech can become an act of revelation – eyes wide open for wonder amid even messiness. When we are receptive, we let go of our agendas and expectations. Rather than going after what we want in life, or “forcing,” we cultivate a contentment with what actually is. Rather than “taking” what we want in life, or “forcing,” we cultivate a contentment with what is.
No wonder being impeccable with word is one of the Four Agreements. It can very much transform our mind, thus our lives.
AYURVEDA SAID IT FIRST
While many are familiar with the Four Agreements, not all know about the healing system of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is the art of daily living that has evolved from practical, philosophical, and spiritual principles, some 10,000 years old. Ayurveda offers a profound understanding of each person’s body, mind, and consciousness, which is the foundation of health and happiness. Ayurveda has had a significant impact on Buddhist philosophy and Chinese medicine. Buddhist monks were instrumental in introducing Ayurveda to other Asian and non-Indo-European countries. Philosophies assert that craving and ignorance cause suffering, and the way to eliminate suffering is to align one’s values and actions. Buddha outlines these steps as the Eightfold Path:
1. Right View (Perception and Observation)
2. Right Intention
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Living
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Concentration
“It is the Mind – not the eyes – that does the seeing. “- The Buddha in the Shurangama Sutra
In this manner, Ayurveda understands how bias in view can modify intention and speech and divert actions and living towards in ways that are not beneficial. The mind perceives, then initiates the function organs to respond with a certain attitude of like or dislike. This causes either an attachment or aversion and impacts our actions.
Let us take the impact of view, intention, and speech further. Per the Yoga Sutras, our mental activity will make us suffer if we begin to define ourselves through it. For example, if you define yourself as a sick person, you will think and behave as one. In this manner notice the difference of “I am sick” vs. “I’ve received a virus.” The first is a permanent quality while the latter is a temporary condition. Again, transform the mind, transform the life.
(Side note, I’m continually amazed how often wisdom traditions “said it first!”)
RECEIVING
This concept of changing my vocabulary to “receiving” really struck me. I have taken opportunities to play with this concept over the past four weeks. To make myself available for grace to break in; to open myself to listen and ponder. In doing so, here is what I have discovered:
Day-to-day
I received a shower, this meal, sleep.
A client cancelled and I received a break in my day.
I received a chance to acknowledge my shortcomings.
Relationships
In relationship with my partner, I received tenderness, concern, difference of opinion, frustration from a forgotten task.
I received a miraculous recovery of my dog.
Nature
I received the sunrise, the autumn color, the stars in night sky, the cold breeze.
Challenging Times
I received the reminder of the preciousness of life.
So, if you are rolling your eyes and scoffing at any of these phrases, I urge you to just try this practice. Remember right speech impacts our perception and conduct and living. The shift from “I am broken” to “I am receiving struggle or pain” is profound. Body posture softens, breath becomes fuller and smoother, pupils expand connection to the heart and the moment in time becomes available. The former phrase leaves the body, the breath, and the eyes constricted, the spirit suffocated, and all in control of the mind in distress.
A WAY TO NAVIGATE THROUGH THE SUFFERING OF LIFE
This week, I challenge you to pay close attention to what you receive…from the highs to the lows. Let go of creating narrative in your mind, embrace change and what the present moment offers, smile, and stay connected to your heart. Experience how view and speech impact your actions and living. It may have a profound impact on how your mind and life evolve. Get well practiced with the first few steps of the Eightfold Path, and I am here to help you further your right living, mindfulness, and meditation.
May you receive practice in using your speech to clear your perceptions and impact your actions.
Wanting to go deeper? Contact Kristen to begin your wellness journey!
