Deep Speaks to Deep
“When we speak expressively, we speak to express the truth within us, honoring the inner teacher by letting it know that we are attending to its voice.”
Reading: Read Chapter Seven. In Week #1 I made my first suggestion pertaining to the reading. I wrote, “Please read slowly, putting the book aside when you find your mind wanting to consider something further or when you find yourself connecting something Parker has written to a situation or story from your life. Pay attention to these. Write them down, or take notes in the book. Do you best to stay mindful in your reading, treating this book as you would a treasured friend with whom you are having a significant conversation.” Consider this again at this point in the class.
Kind Action: Consider the “counterculture rule” Parker describes on page 114: “No fixing, no saving, no advising, no setting each other straight.” Can you apply this rule as part of a kindness action to a loved one, a friend, an acquaintance? How about to yourself?
Wholeness Journal: Spend some time contemplating and reflecting on the concepts of “instrumental” and “expressive” speech (top of page 119). How do these concepts apply to you? You may want to consider this question in the context of self-talk, within your family, and in the various settings you find yourself. Note, I’m not suggesting one is preferable to the other. I’m simply suggesting you spend some time considering the concepts in the context of your life.
NEXT STEP: Read Thoughts #7
Kind Living 