What Your Words Say About You
Have you ever noticed that certain words, whether spoken or written can convey a feeling?
Take just a moment to sit with these words...
Hate Cruel Rude Pain Abuse Harsh Hurt War
Sit back and really feel them. What kind of energy do they stir for you? Can you feel muscles tense or feel something in your stomach tighten, your heart cringe? Words have an emotional effect on all of us. They carry an energy or a vibe that creates a visceral reaction.
"The pen is mightier than the sword" somewhat contradictory from the whole Sticks and Stones theory we all recited as children, but I doubt that many of us actually believed. Intuitively even as children we knew that words can indeed hurt. And now scientific studies such as the work of Dr Emoto show that words have power and thoughts have energy.
I once read that You can use fire either to cook your lunch or to burn down the forest. and words are the same, their energy can be used to inspire, educate, and unite or to hurt, ravage and destroy.
What energy are your words and thoughts putting out into the world? If you find yourself thinking or saying words that are destructive, you can change the energy you are transmitting out to the world by imagining you are erasing the blackboard of your thoughts. We can change our thoughts at will. We can recreate our situations or circumstances by actively changing our thoughts, words and beliefs about our self! It's about letting your light shine in the world. You have the ability to raise the consciousness of others. You can drag people down into your quagmire or you can lift them up.
The first agreement in don Miguel Ruiz book The Four Agreements is To be impeccable with my word. When I am impeccable with my word I won't gossip or speak ill of others or myself. I use my words in the direction of truth and love. Likely there are few of us that will never 'slip up' with this but if we can remember to consider these rules before speaking - Is it truthful? Is it necessary? Is it kind?- what a different world it would be.
When you make a conscious effort to choose your words, you will find that over time the right words will start to come to you naturally. You will by and large stop using words that no longer resonate with you. Your world will be a happier place to be in.
The second of the four agreements is Don't take anything personally, Not taking something personally doesn't, for me, mean it will not hurt. It just means my sense of self won't be affected; that my self-esteem isn't wrapped up in what has just been said to me or what has just happened.
The words, labels, and descriptions that people might throw at us don't hurt at all unless we, at some level, believe the meaning behind them. It is through our own beliefs that we create emotional pain. It is only in believing lies about our self that we create hurt.
Isn't it funny how we never seem to question why it made us feel good that someone used loving language with us? But we are quick to allow the hurtful negative words to define us. I recently heard a psychologist speak who questioned how we would all feel if everyone spoke to one another as we do to a six month old infant. Not the gibberish baby talk but the tones of love and understanding that we tend to reserve for infants. Words like, " I know. It's okay, it will be alright, just put your head down, sweet dreams..." words uttered with love and kindness, words intended to sooth and console.
Be impeccable with your word, consider whether what you want to say is truthful... necessary... kind. Going back to how certain words make you feel, take a moment to sit with these words:
Love Kindness Inspire Embrace Caring Adoring Beloved
Take those feeling with you out into your day, into your conversations and your interactions. Choose the energy of your thoughts and the power of your words. Let your light shine.
A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue breaks the spirit. Proverbs 15:4
Join a circle of like-minded women and experience guided meditation, thoughtful discussion, personal reflection, intention setting, and journaling as you explore how to create your best life. January 16, 2010
