The Energy of Gossip: Does What You Say Behind Closed Doors Come Back to You?

Have you ever gone out with friends or acquaintances and debriefed with your partner or best friend when you got home?

“Why does Lisa talk so much about herself, I couldn’t get a word in edgewise”.

“Did you notice how Dave drank so much more than anyone else? I swear he has a drinking problem.

“Jake is so annoying. No one cares about his fabulous job.”

I think many of us are guilty of this seemingly innocuous doing. It’s not like you’re saying anything to their face and this is a trusted confidant you’re speaking with, it’s not leaving either of your lips. And innocent gossiping is fun, isn’t it? 

But, let’s play a game.

Imagine that every person has a higher version of themselves—one that is omnipresent and all-knowing. Everything you and your partner say about them behind closed doors is being heard. And, much like The Hunger Games, this higher version has the power to help or hinder you in your life.

Would you still say those things if you knew they were listening?

Would a fleeting moment of “innocent” gossip be worth the potential consequences—perhaps not a lightning strike, but something subtler, like a day-ruining paper cut delivered by their omnipotent self?

Now, let’s bring this idea back to reality. What do you truly gain from putting negative words into the world? A quick laugh? A shared moment of judgment? The downside, however, is far greater. At best you’re creating a reality with your words that was unnecessary, at worst, you’re now the target in their higher self’s proverbial scope. 

I must admit, when this concept first came into my orbit, I panicked. I didn’t grow up with religion, so the thought of an all-knowing entity, or entities — a concept which has been told in many religious, spiritual and philosophical texts throughout history — was terrifying. But I finally realized that if there is an all-knowing entity, this is how it’s always been and the only difference was my awareness of it. What mattered now is what I do with that awareness.

So what do I do? I try my best to practice speaking kindly in public and behind closed doors in my day-to-day life. I’m not perfect, but I do feel a clearer conscience, which in turn makes life seem just a tad bit easier. Is it because I’m not suffering from the effects of negative energy directed my way? Possibly. Will I ever know for sure? Nope.

But regardless of energy and higher selves, I do think we can agree that this concept can be distilled into one simple saying: do unto others as you’d want done unto you. It’s an easy, guilt free way to live life and what’s the worst that can happen? If a higher power exists, the pearly gates will be wide open after you’ve done your time here. If it doesn’t, you’ve lived a life of peace. What choose you?