I just looked at my email and there was a picture of a friend's grandson, newly born. He was due on Christmas but arrived early. Sharing such joy is the fundamental path of right speech. We all thrill at the birth of new life, at the cycle of life and at the amazing coming and going on our planet. At the point I found out about my brother's death, relatives welcomed a new baby. It's comforting to know we are replacable. We need all the stages and ages, but not particular people. And the more we live, we also live in our families' memories.
I hope to express right speech tonight a our holiday party. In other words, I want to convey welcome and joy in seeing friends, and encourage them to engage with each other. Talking to them myself is less important than making sure they have others to speak with. That requires suggesting interests they may share, connections they may have without knowing it, and making sure everyone feels comfortable. I hope, also, to talk to our son's friends, and intertwine them with my friends for a little intergenerational comingling.
It sounds like work, but it isn't really, especially as the more we practice the easier it becomes. I can't mind others' mindstreams, but I can consciously mind the party dynamic, or try to. Then we can all have fun.
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