Is it Kind?

We are all pretty much aware of how hostile and angry our political climate is these days.  With election season coming up, I know my husband and I will have our fingers ready to hit the MUTE button on the remote when most political commercials start airing.  In fact, I am planning on leaving the television off more and more. 

And social media?  Studies show that more and more people get their news online.  Since the algorithms push ads and memes that come from sources we already like and follow, we tend to view our news in an echo chamber, feeding us back what we already believe to be true.  Are we really learning anything?

Some time ago, I came across an ancient Sufi saying from the 13th century.  I have it at my desk to inspire me on a daily basis.  It says “Before you speak, let your words pass through these three gates: At the first gate, ask yourself, ‘Is it true?’  At the second gate, ask yourself, ‘Is it necessary?’  At the third gate, ask yourself, ‘Is it kind?’” 

So, if what I consider sharing does not meet this test, I hope that I remember to leave anything negative or hurtful unsaid. I will be sharing information using social media posts. I will try to be informative about my priorities, often in a light-hearted way. And be kind.