Day 16: מִעוּט שִׂיחָה / Minimizing conversation
Next in our series about moderation, mindfulness, and balance, we arrive at the topic of minimizing conversation.
My high school English teacher told us to write our papers as if each word cost us $5. Putting pen to paper meant investing in each and every word. At that cost, we had to write concisely and carefully select only the best words to express our ideas.
We have already learned the power of speech (Day 3), so how do we reconcile that value the following the opinion in Pirkei Avot: "Shimon his son used to so say: 'all my days I grew up among the sages, and I have found nothing better for a person than silence...too many words brings about sin'" (Pirkei Avot 1:17)?
The Torah itself models the proper balance. The rabbis understand that the Torah is perfect and whole, and there is nothing extra or superfluous in it. Every sentence, word, and even letter is packed with depth and richness. Likewise, the world needs our voices, just like the Jewish people needs Torah. However, rather than running our mouths to fill the air, we should gift the world with carefully considered words of compassion and wisdom.
Reflection:
Do you find silence helpful and important, or does silence make you uncomfortable?
Lived practice:
Slow down! Before you speak, take a moment to pause and think about what and how much you will say. Every word you say matters.
