There is a saying that listening to gossip is gossip. How true! If there were no listeners, there would never be any gossip.
Some of us who pride ourselves in refraining from gossip may still have a problem with it. It's possible we still keep ears open for any juicy gossip that could fall our way. We might also shake the tree if we believe another person has some gossip to share with us. This is done in seemingly innocent ways, sometimes just by mentioning the name of a person to another who may have strong opinions to express.
The harm of gossip lies in what we do to ourselves when we engage in it. There is no way we can continue to have spiritual growth if we practice gossip, even as passive listeners. Spiritual growth takes place within us, and it needs an environment completely free of any ill will.
Let's beware of any tendency to say things that induce others to gossip. At the same time, let's tune out gossip that seems to occur spontaneously. Gossip is the enemy of the growth we desire.
It is a real relief to know that today I have no desire to spread gossip or listen to it. This includes things I might read in magazines or newspapers.
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Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. ~Buddha
Interesting, I ran in to a girl I havent seen at meetings for a while. She has almost 9 months now but stopped going to meetings because of all the gossip and bickering. She couldnt take the drama! Glad she's back but a great reminder for me. Not to do it!!!!
Just like my new job...as stated before, my tunnel vision has cleared and Im more aware of the things around me..The bitching and gripping....I also find that true in AA meetings. By not listening to it all or being a part of it, I avoid getting sucked into it-which for me can be dangerous!
Someone stated that he was offended that people say "stick with the winners...." He said"he has no job, no car, no home so in society's eyes hes a loser....But in AA, he is a winner because he is there!!!!" Love that! So just a little rambling.... Have a beautiful day ya all!!!! L
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"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
