Wandering Along the Path: Right Speech

Yesterday I had tea with an old friend from a Buddhist study group.  We have kids the same age, though her grandchildren are older.  We both have an interest in knitting, and we have been to many a retreat together over the years.  Now we are integrating our practice more directly into our lives, without the aid of time away.  She just had hip surgery and is doing well, and I had my knee brace on, so we know our limitations these days.  She had a sister who died, her only sibling, and I my brother.  We touch base on this loss usually, and yesterday was no exception.  And she has a daughter-in-law who is becoming more and more successful in the literary world, and I have a daughter on that road as well.  It's relaxing to discuss personal issues in a careful, non-gossipy way with another Buddhist who knows how to keep her intentions in mind.  I also had another day this week when I was with another Buddhist swim buddy, and our heartfelt talking was also carefully and gently framed by good intentions.  I'm easily distracted into gossip that may be harmful, so I appreciate the ease of these friends.  We know and understand the ground rules to speech.