The Three Gates

“Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates:

                         Is it true?
                                   Is it necessary?
                                                      Is it kind?”

~ Rumi


It is not always easy to speak from such a beautiful place of truth, necessity and kindness. Provocation, fatigue, difficulties, rumination, deferred hopes and unmet expectations press against us and - out words slip we are unable to retract.


Though truth does not always seem kind, our heart’s intent, in sharing or confronting, should always strive to be. As well as we must examine whether the situation necessitates the words we desire to communicate.


Almost two years ago, in the face of betrayal, I spewed ugly words in a saboteurs face. Though these words were commonplace to this person, my words hit my heart hard and I felt saddened by the level I’d lowered myself.


Shortly after this event, I came across a quote. I placed the quote on the lock screen of my cell phone to remind myself often of the power of not only my words but of the heart attitude I aspire to.


“Your words can be venom or they can be the antidote.”
~ Unknown