Breaking a vow of silence to keep the peace

Communicators, we know your colleagues are looking to you for news and information related to the pandemic. It can be anxiety-producing for many, which is why we’ve launched a series called “Inspiration Break.”

Consider sharing an inspirational story, anecdote or essay that offers perspective—or perhaps a chuckle, such as the one below. If nothing else, it’s a brief respite from an otherwise stressful day.

Those of us cloistered in our homes-turned-workspaces might well relate to the following tale:

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The monks at a monastery in an isolated mountain village had taken a vow of silence. One day each year, one monk was allowed to break that vow and utter a sentence to his brethren before the start of their evening meal.