Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech and the
inability to listen to others, I am committed to cultivating
loving speech and deep listening in order to bring joy and
happiness to others and relieve others of their suffering.
–Fourth Mindfulness Training* In “Brutally Yours, Bob Hartley,”
an old episode of The Bob Newhart Show, psychologist Bob Hartley
urges clients Mr. Carlin and Michelle to be more honest and open
with their feelings. During the conversation, Bob hides his true
feelings about his secretary leaving work early and the clients
challenge him to practice what he preaches. As the show
progresses, Mr. Carlin and Michelle make a game out of hurling
insults at other people, while at home Bob nearly ruins a
budding friendship in his overzealous quest for total honesty.
In the end, it is agreed by all that some things are better left
unsaid. The episode illustrates in a humorous manner just how
difficult it can be to be truthful and yet do it in a way that
does not unnecessarily hurt anothe