Serenity Tip of the Day: Stop Gossiping
If you want serenity, stop gossiping.
Do you gossip?
Do you talk about people who aren’t in the room with you?
For any reason other than working through your own thoughts, feelings, or issues with that person?
To comment, poke fun, judge, or otherwise focus on their shortcomings?
From Dictionary.com:
Gossip – to talk idly, especially about the affairs of others; go about tattling.
Gossip is a distraction. From the hard work of looking at and improving yourself. Gossip does not build character, rather it undermines integrity.
I used to gossip regularly. It was a way to fit in and belong in a crowd, to bond with friends by putting others down. But it didn’t feel good. Over time I realized gossip conflicted with my values.
If your values are to respect others and you would like to be respected, gossip is contrary to your goals.
If you gossip regularly, ask yourself how you feel when you participate. Reflect on whether you are avoiding other topics or inner concerns. Are you using gossip as an escape from negative feelings? An avoidance or distraction from inner work?
Commit to ending gossip. When you feel the urge, ask yourself how you feel and what’s driving the urge?
See if you can hold off and go do something else instead. Write it down, meditate, take a walk, clear your head.
Replace the behavior with something more positive. And be willing to understand the source of the drive to gossip. Don’t beat yourself up for it, use it to gain insight into the parts of yourself needing healing.
What are your experiences and observations with gossip?
