Most of our troubles comes from two things. What we say and what we eat.

Our choice of tone, words and appropriateness of occasion makes all the difference. How often we have said something to immediately realise it should have been said differently or not said at all. Words build and break relationships. And yet, why is it we tend to say the wrong things or at the wrong time, or in a wrong way?

Our emotions need expression. When we allow our agitated mind to drive our speech, the effect may not be desirable. And when in a moment of extreme happiness we allow ourselves to get carried away, momentarily we may drop our awareness and mindfulness and say something to hurt someone, though not intentionally. And yet we know we will go through agitations and elation. The answer lies in creating space between what we want to say and actually saying it. And it is in that space we can save ourselves from making a mistake we may regret for long.

And food regularly tempts us. A weakness we find hard to overcome. The extra dessert, one more cup of coffee or that piece of chocolate every night after dinner. The momentary pleasure catches up with us. Once again the mind drives us to say yes when we know we should be saying no.

I remember at a talk I attended, will power was being discussed. The speaker gave the audience a simple and very effective exercise to lose weight. Looking straight, she said turn your neck to the left. Slowly bring it to the centre. Turn it to the right. Bring it back to the centre. And every time you see something you should not eat, repeat this exercise ten times.

Said in a lighter vein, she had but one message. The answer lies in creating space between the desire of the mind and opening our mouth. And in that space lies the road good health.

We constantly strive to manage our affairs and check on things. We will do ourselves a big favour if we learn to keep our Tongue in Check.

( Picture – Near St.Andrews, Scotland )