http://www.dictionary.com/browse/vote?s=t
We just ended another presidential election and most of us did not get the person who we felt would be best for our country. During this process the majority of Americans got on board with a language that, as humans, many of us find promotes the idea of suffering. A voice filled with anger and hate.
The voice of anger, fear and hate has been loud and strong. Many choose to fight back by encouraging and supporting this time with more of the same language. Protests filled with violence. Language that is hypocritical in nature that basically sends the message that while it offends it is ok for me to do more of the same because I am protesting and fighting its source.
The source is us.
You cannot fight anger with more anger. You cannot fight hate with more hate. If you want to change the language being used you must be the one who watches what you say and how you say it.
There is another movement that is not so widely posted on Facebook, reported on the news, or written. It is one of peace. People of peace are not ignorant. We do not put our head in the sand, turn off Facebook, the TV, or radio. We do not stop reading what is relevant to all human beings. In fact we choose to use the information we have acquired with a purpose of true change. We choose to not be part of the problem. We don't repost messages that promote anger and hate. We don't share messages filled with suffering. We don't use language that shares pessimism, hate and/or anger.
We choose to be optimistic and use the language of love, compassion and kindness. We share messages of equanimity, compassion, kindness, and love. It is very easy to be part of the masses, the norm, that promotes and encourages dissention through suffering. Who controls using fear, anger and hate. It is far harder to stand apart, often alone, surrounded by and with peace. You only need to turn on the news, log on to Facebook, or just go out of your own home to know that finding and holding on to peace is far from a easy thing to do.
I challenge everyone to stop promoting the suffering of the world. If a post must be made in the name of informing others of some kind of suffering anywhere then pay attention to the language you attach to it. Share your wisdom, and knowledge with a message of compassion. If things must change be a part of it in a way that makes you and others around you feel good. Don't increase the suffering.
Emaho Namaste Peace out
Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech and the inability to listen to others, I am committed to cultivating loving speech and compassionate listening in order to relieve suffering and to promote reconciliation and peace in myself and among other people, ethnic and religious groups, and nations. Knowing that words can create happiness or suffering, I am committed to speaking truthfully using words that inspire confidence, joy and hope. When anger is manifesting in me, I am determined not to speak. I will practice mindful breathing and walking in order to recognize and to look deeply into its roots, especially in my wrong perceptions and lack of understanding of the suffering in myself and in the other person. I will speak and listen in a way that can help me and the other person to release the suffering and see the way out of difficult situations. I am determined not to spread news that I do not know to be certain and not to utter words that can cause division or discord. I will make daily efforts, in my speaking and listening, to nourish my capacity for understanding, love, joy, and inclusiveness, and gradually transform anger, violence, and fear that lie deep in my consciousness.
-The fourth precept
http://mindfulpathways.com/the-4th-mindfulness-training-loving-speech-and-deep-listening/
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