DAY 14 : MAY 26
Gossip Is The Devil’s Radio
The yoga Master Indra Devi would leave the room if she heard gossip.
George Harrison said, “GOSSIP IS THE DEVIL’S RADIO.”
Daily practice of mindfulness and yoga can help us to purify our speech.
6 Steps to Recover From a Gossip Addiction
Here are some tips by Sarah Wilkins for monitoring and controlling your tendency to talk negatively about others.
1. Pick a gossip buddy.
One spiritual teacher suggests that you confine your gossiping to one or two people, perhaps your best friend, spouse, or significant other. If you have a designated gossip buddy, it’s much easier to practice restraint with the other people in your life. Choose someone who can keep secrets and who will support you in your desire to be more conscious of what you say.
2. Catch yourself.
Learn to notice when you’re about to make a snarky remark, and stop yourself before you do. If one slips out, apologize.
3. Notice the aftertaste.
Become aware of what it feels like after you gossip. It will be different for everyone, but for me the aftertaste of gossip feels like anxiety (tight shoulders, tight stomach) and what I can only describe as a worried, slightly sinking feeling that comes from sensing I might have said something I’ll regret. Note where you feel the tension in your own body the next time you engage in a gossip fest.
4. Just say no.
Turn down invitations to pick others apart. Try changing the subject when a friend wants to have a bad-mouthing session. Ask them (tactfully) to talk about something else, and tell them that you’re trying to break yourself of the negative gossip habit. You’ll find that many people will actually thank you.
5. Don’t rush to judgment.
When someone confides a piece of gossipy information about someone else, question it. Check the source. Don’t believe something unless you have clear proof—and the fact that a whole lot of people are saying something does not constitute clear proof.
6. Try a one-day gossip fast.
Decide that for one whole day you won’t talk about other people. Then, notice when that’s especially difficult. Observe what feelings prompt you to share news about someone or repeat something you’ve heard. Does your desire to gossip come from a feeling of emptiness or boredom? Does it come from a desire for intimacy with the person you’re talking to? What happens inside you when you deny the urge? How do you feel when you’ve gone through a whole conversation without once saying, Have you heard?
BEGINNING friday:
ROOTS - 25HR VINYASA YOGA FOR YOUTH INTENSIVE
Immerse yourself in the practice, learn ways to integrate yoga poses, mindfulness and breathing and other aspects of wellness into the work you are already doing with youth. This is a training for anyone who works with youth - school teachers, school counselors, EA’s and ECE’s, coaches, community center employees, youth care workers, etc. In this training, along with a deeper understanding of the benefits for youth, you will be given tools that will teach you to care for yourself first! From our own self care we can more effectively serve others.
Hosted virtually, on Zoom
May 28 - 30
All 40 Day participants receive 25% through this link: