The motto for this year in our Mountain States region is not to spread rumors and not to indulge in gossip. Although this was specifically stated for the karate dojos, I am having the opportunity to practice it in real life as well. Unexpected occurrences at my job had question marks above my head until just a few minutes ago, and now the questions have been answered. It's the sort of major shake-up that just begs to be talked about.
Before Kangeiko, before Master Yaguchi's warning to us all not to indulge in gossip this year, maybe I would have gone ahead and told an off-site employee what was up. I hate the idea that she doesn't know. She's going to be so upset, she's good friends with the man in question. I would like to warn her before she gets the phone call from the boss with the official word so she doesn't say something she shouldn't.
The reason I have not done so is not just some blind obedience to Master Yaguchi. It has everything to do with my respect for Master Yaguchi, which led me to do some serious thinking after he passed on his "motto of the year" to us during Kangeiko. He never does anything without a purpose, and I started thinking of various karate events in our region, the nation, and worldwide, which could have led to such a caution. There certainly have been things which would give rise to a lot of talking. He said one thing that really stuck with me: "If it comes from your mouth, you must take responsibility for it."
At work, passing on this news is not my responsibility. I have no doubt that I will be discussing it with some people later on, but hopefully not in a gossip-y way. I will be watching my words, that is for certain, trying to be as fair as possible to all concerned.
This is a perfect example of how karate and life intertwine. What is good and relevant in one, is good and relevant in the other. Gossip and rumors hurt the dojo, they lead to unnecessary division and hurt feelings, it weakens the individuals and weakens the group. This is true in my workplace, where we've had too many rumors and too much back-stabbing, leading to an atmosphere of suspicion and defensiveness totally out of proportion to the small size of our company. This is true among friends and in families, where careless words wreak havoc.
I don't think I'm too bad about gossiping. But this year, and hopefully ever after, I will try to be that much more careful.
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