Conversation is exercise of the mind.
Gossip is exercise of the tongue. An important element in Sufi psychology is the spiritual heart or 'qalb' which is the location of inner intuition, understanding and wisdom. According to Sufi psychology, all human beings are located between the angels and the animals. We share both natures and have the potential to rise higher than the angels or to sink lower than the animals. Hence, the struggle is to counter and overcome the negative habits and tendencies.