If we wish to live consciously, we need to…
Page 77. If we wish to live consciously, we need to be conscious of and take responsibility for the words coming out of our mouth.
— from Communication & Conflict (Communication/Conflict) · Art of Living Consciously
In the book
Now the speaking. The first discipline is the oldest one our tradition teaches: before you open your mouth, pause and ask yourself a single question — what benefit will these words bring, to me or to anyone? If you live consciously at all, you must take responsibility for the words that come out of your mouth, because they do real work in the world. So accustom yourself to speak gently to everyone, at all times — the words of the wise are spoken softly — and greet every person, friend or stranger, with a warm and open face, because a kind expression is an invitation to friendship while a scowl frightens people away. — Communication & Conflict (Communication/Conflict)