In Buddhism, there is guidance that before you speak, your words should pass through 3 gates: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?
Love this!
BUT, if I'm being honest, I often erect. a 4th gate - a big ole "trap of doubt" gate. This gate has barbed wire that reads: "Why bother?" and "What will other people think?" and "What if it's uncomfortable?"
I've been thinking about this and I've started wondering - what if the three gates are not just gatekeepers, but are also open floodgates? The three gates caution us to not say things that aren't kind, necessary or true. AND, they also prompt us to find our voice and speak when words do pass through these three gates.
What's your experience been like?