Three Laws of Spiritual Communication

In this new age of global, multicultural, social/spiritual internet communication there needs to be a code of ethics.  In my 3-4 years of interacting with like minded folks through Facebook, I have seen the best of intentions blow up into the worst of scenarios.  The internet medium of communication lacks the ability to read one's body language.  There are many clues we unconsciously pick up about a person when interacting with them in person.  The tone of their voice, the light in their eyes, their ability to focus, their ability to listen and their overall physical presentation which gives us a reading of their energy is hard to determine online.  It is even more important to be conscious of how we interact with others online, because it is so challenging to connect in a multidimensional way with such a one-dimensional medium.

Communication is often challenging but easier when done in person.  What is easier to do on Facebook is to be untruthful or to present an edited version of ourselves, whether intentionally or unintentionally.  I find that often people are overly polished, overly diplomatic and just too perfect in their edited version of themselves, or perhaps they are just over-the-top, too aggressive, too argumentative or disclose too much information because they don't have to interact with folks in a more intimate way.  In this new day and age, a new code of ethics should be considered.  I propose these three.

1.  Discernment
 Consciously deciding what to share and with whom is most important.  There are certain things that cannot be understood or appreciated by everyone.  We should use discernment when, what, where and to whom we communicate what.  

2.  Courtesy
In the principles of the Yoga Yamas it is suggested to ask oneself before speaking... "Is it true?  Is it kind?  Is it necessary?"   Showing courtesy in how we speak and what speak creates more connection.  Showing courtesy sometimes means being silent.  Some things are better left unsaid.  

3.  Respect
Listening is showing respect.  Imposing our ideas on others is disrespectful.  Communication is a two way street.  We give, and we receive.  One cannot happen without the other or there is no point to it.  Accusing, berating and being arrogant serves no purpose and has no place in spiritual dialogue.