I was popping around on the inter-web and I came upon this discussion about a film a friend of mine made a while back. Knowing the man and his process, and all of that kind of stuff, I know what went into making that movie. Obviously, the person doing the discussing did not. For what they said in their discussion was just flat out wrong. Yet, they presented their information as if it were fact.  The question came to my mind, “What happens when what you are saying is not true?”
 
Really… What happens when what you are saying is not true?
 
I believe that most people don’t even think about that question. They just say what they say and that is that. Maybe they think it. Maybe they believe that what they are saying is true. Maybe they want what they are saying to be true. But when it is not true, then what? For most, the answer to that question is, nothing/nada; they just forget about it and move on. Why should they care; right? They said it and who cares about the consequences?
 
As someone who has been a Creative for most of my life, I have experienced a lot of people saying a lot of things about what I have created. In some cases, they were correct. But, in many cases, they were flat out wrong. Yet, by stepping up to the pulpit, in their saying what they said, they sounded like they knew what they were speaking about. But, they did not.
 
I’m just using me here, (right now), as an example as what I am saying about me is factually based. I can attest to it and prove it. Overall, however, I am a very small fish in a very big pond and this kind of discourse and wrong-stuff talking goes on upon a much larger scale all over the place all the time. Yet, from my perspective, people continue to speak about what I create, how I create it, why I create it, and me. But, they are so often wrong. Doesn’t that bother them? Obviously not. Do any of them actually research the truth and then correct the mistakes they have made? Not as far as I can tell. Most people simply continue to talk and talk and talk and talk about all that stuff Out There; outside of themselves. But, in doing so, a long-long list of falsehood are propagated to the world. Then what?
 
To take this discussion a little bit farther… In fact, in speaking about my creativity and myself, some people have gone as far as to quote me. But, so many of the quotes these people have used have been taken so far out of context that it is not even funny. They just use my words, turn them around to portray their own opinion, but they are totally missing the point of what I have said and/or written. Why? Why do people do that? Truly, what is the point? Is that research, in the true sense of the word? No. Does that provide the world with any better understanding of anything? No. Not as far as I can tell.
 
Me, as a professional educator and academic researcher for much of my life, I have always attempted to get to the source of the source. I had to base my presented presentations upon verifiable facts, not just my opinion fabricated by a bunch of whatever. I had to present the facts—to present the truth—as much as that truth can be harvested. But, that doesn’t seem to matter anymore. It’s a TMZ world where all that seemingly matters is the impact that one is having with what they are saying—be it true or false or otherwise.  To me, there is something very-very wrong in all of that.
 
To give this piece some context, and to make my point… You see, this is where much of the negative karma of this world is created. Created by people speaking (wrongly) of someone else. They say something. Maybe they feel it. Maybe they even believe it. But, if it is wrong, then it is wrong. From this—from this lie, (which is what it is), negative energy is created. And, then what? Then what??? Negative energy is created as someone has spread some falsehood about someone else. End of story.
 
To expand just a bit… In Buddhism there is what is known as the Nobel Eightfold Path. Of those eight, Right Speech is one of them.
 
Right Speech, or, “Samma Vaca,” from the Pali, is defined as abstaining from various types of harmful communication: false speech, avoiding lies and deceit, slanderous speech, refraining from divisive speech that can or will causes discord, harsh speech, abusive and hurtful language, and finally, idle chatter; i.e. not engaging in gossip or frivolous talk. The understanding of Right Speech teaches the use of discourse that is truthful, pleasant, kind, and purposeful. It is about speaking in ways that contribute to the well-being of oneself, others, and the entire world as a whole.
 
Of course, truthfulness is a fundamental aspect of Right Speech, requiring honesty and transparency in all forms of communication. It involves avoiding lies, exaggeration, omission, and distortion of facts. Truthful speech fosters trust and credibility, which are important for maintaining healthy relationships and advancing form of knowledge and communication.
 
From the Zen Buddhist perspective, cultivating Mindfulness is essential for practicing Right Speech. This involves being aware of your thoughts, emotions, and intentions before speaking. Mindfulness helps in choosing words that align with the principles of truthfulness, harmony, gentleness, and purposefulness.
 
Reflective Listening is also consciously developed in regard to Right Speech. Reflective Listening involves paying attention to the words used by others and responding thoughtfully in a conscious and constructive manner. It involves considering the impact of your response and choosing language that is supportive and constructive.
 
Taking a moment to pause and consider before speaking can also prevent impulsive, harmful communication. This practice allows individuals to assess their intentions and choose words that contribute positively to the conversation.
 
So, if you wish to truly look at your life and your life evolution… …If you wish to look at the future you are creating for yourself… ..If you wish to question why you are not where you feel that you should be in the book of your life, (like I say a lot), look no further than yourself and what you have said about someone else.
 
Really… It is a as simple as that.  What you say sets an entire universe of action and reaction in motion. What you said created that flow. Now what?

What happens when what you are saying is not true?