The first tool of creating shalom is speech. The way we speak to each other, both in content and tone of voice, either builds — or far too often — destroys our own peace of mind and the environment of peace that surrounds us.
Consider this typical encounter between two strangers:
“Good morning.”
“Good morning. How are you?”
“Fine, thank you. Beautiful day we’re having.”
“Certainly is. Take care.”
“You too.”
Isn’t there something very strange about the routine dialogue exchanged when two people bump into each other? Is even an ounce of useful information shared? Did either one of them not already know the weather? At that moment no one actually wants to hear about your latest health challenges or what’s going on at home, and it would be socially awkward to even mention them. The whole thing seems to be a useless waste of time and words.
Our sages, however, instructed us to greet everyone we meet. They deemed it so important that one can even invoke the name of God for it. It’s referred to as “giving shalom.”
Though nothing more than a smile of acknowledgement and a few customary words are exchanged, greeting someone warmly adds shalom to their day.
With this simple moment of short conversation — which, I might add, costs nothing and requires no creativity whatsoever — you can give shalom.
Even if you haven’t yet mastered the art of shalom, even if you don’t feel like you have any shalom of your own to give away, when you greet someone kindly, you show them that you care about them — if even just a little bit — and that they matter. You’ve made the world a more loving, peaceful place for another person. And you’ll feel an increase in shalom yourself when you do.
This is because you are fulfilling your role in the grand scheme of the universe. Contributing to the shalom and well-being of others instantly connects you to the whole world, increasing your own sense of shalom, of wholeness.
The Talmud praises the great sage Rabbi Yochanan for initiating a greeting with every person he encountered. When we put that into practice, we recognize that everyone in the world has their role and place in the harmony of Creation.
Try this today: Smile and greet someone you bump into. Give shalom, and feel it bounce back to you.