The Eightfold Path 3: Wise Speech - Speaking from Clarity, Kindness and Truth

In this monologue podcast, Jonathan Foust discusses the concept of wise speech as a path to awakening and improved relationships. He outlines four key facets: truthfulness, kindness, usefulness, and timing, framing them as questions to consider before speaking. Foust shares personal anecdotes, including advice from a friend and experiences from his time managing a nonprofit, to illustrate the importance of these principles. He emphasizes the power of words to create worlds, the need for mindful awareness in communication, and techniques such as pausing before responding and imagining the other person's feelings to foster connection and empathy. The talk draws on Buddhist teachings and nonviolent communication principles, advocating for compassionate action in verbal form and relational mindfulness.