There is a theory that we each have a limited number of breaths and that once those are gone your time here on earth is done.  This is the reason that many yogis work so diligently to prolong each and every breath.  What if we were to apply this same theory to the number of words we each have to “spend” during our time here?

How many times have we said things that served no beneficial purpose to us or to whomever we happen to be talking to?  Just because we have a thought doesn’t mean that it should be uttered out loud for all to hear.  Are the things that we say something that can be heard by anyone without causing upset, anger and/or regret?

If we knew that we had a finite number of words to communicate our true essential needs, to share our love and appreciation with those close to us and the other important tasks in life, would we be as free with our words?  Would we make comments that serve no other purpose but to let someone know they are wrong?

Would we engage in hurtful gossip?  Would we waste words getting in the last word?  Likely our answers to these questions are all no.

May we contemplate the value of our words before we let them out into the world – are they important, true, kind and something that can be heard by all?

May we be mindful of our words and remember that when a word leaves our lips it is gone forever and we can never take it back.  Swami Rama said that we complain that we don’t have time to meditate; May we use some of this newly found time to meditate and create something good in the world.

Namaste, Jyoti

Editor’s Note:

Jyoti Gerlitz lives in the Calgary, Canada, area and represents the Himalayan Yoga Meditation Centre.  We invite you to visit their website: http://www.himalayanmeditation.com.