Watch Your Words
"The real secret of magic is that the world is made of words, and that if you know the words that the world is made of, you can make of it whatever you wish." -Terence McKenna.
Our perception shapes language. We describe what we experience using words that explain how we perceive what is happening to us. "Language exists less to record the actual than to liberate the imagination." - Anthony Burgess. The act of perceiving is where we can play with our outcomes, and we can use words to help us guide this process. "Words cast spells. That's why it's called spelling. Words are energy. Choose them wisely." - unknown.
There is a circle of influence between words and perception that goes like this-
1. Perception creates the words we need to describe what is happening; they concentrate our feelings. (Language can fail us when the words do not match the feelings.)
- Words reinforce perception, a kind of "you get more of what you focus on" scenario. By putting what you perceive into words, you notice more of the same.
The trick is to consciously intervene in this cycle by shifting the momentum of the perception from something negative into something more empowering. Pretending things are great when they aren't will not work because you know that is a lie. The words you use must be true but expansive rather than restrictive.
Here is an example:
"I am afraid to fail." —> "I am learning through experience."
The first statement is limiting and fear-based (no movement), and the second is an opportunity for learning and growth (movement). I have created a card for reframing your reality that you can print off and put inside your wallet, found here which might be helpful if you are serious about changing the way that you see the events that happen in your life. It has three steps to guide you towards a more positive perception:
- Acknowledge the truth of your situation as you see and feel it. Don't put a spin on it, be honest. E.g.: "I am too old to be an Olympic gymnast." Acknowledge by agreeing that time changes our ability to do certain things.
- Ask yourself what else can be said about the situation that is also true. E.g.: "Are there ways that I can increase my strength and flexibility today?" Curiosity is the antidote to staying stuck.
- Choose words to focus on that honor both truths. These words should cast light on your reality instead of shadows. E.g.: "My body is older, but possibilities to learn remain." Focus on what you can do, not on what you can't.
The words we use when speaking to others can help them become something wonderful or something negative. "Call a boy a gentleman and watch his shoulders straighten. Call a girl a lady and watch her spirit turn graceful. Humanity was brought into existence by God speaking words into the void of the universe. We tend to become what we are called." - The Medicine of Hope. The danger with words is that once they have been put out there, they cannot be taken back. We lose control over them: people may interpret them differently than how we meant them, or we may have been lying, or they may be used against us to further someone else's designs. To touch someone's heart with words can be difficult when we do not know what it is that they need to hear.
Being polite in our conversation shows respect for others. Words such as please and thank you are not just meaningless tags that we throw onto the end of a request to get what we want (although they can be that if your intentions are selfish). They are an expression of civility, a show of regard for our fellowman. They are words that you should also be using on yourself within your internal speaking.
"Did you know that the subconscious mind does not know anyone else but you? (I'll bet you didn't.) It has no conception of consciousness other than your own. I explain to students that when we criticize others or find fault, our mind thinks we are speaking about ourselves. That's why it's so important to become aware of the power of our words, because often our words and our feelings that are directed outwardly can rebound and cause havoc in our own lives. Of course, we do these things unconsciously. The majority of people do not realize that our thoughts and words are influencing and imprinting our own minds." - Marilyn Jenett. There is power in words whose energy carries a signature of love!
Perhaps we could all use a minute of our time on a daily basis studying words that uplift that we might use on ourselves and others. "She was fascinated with words. To her, words were things of beauty, each like a magical powder or potion that could be combined with other words to create powerful spells." - Dean Koontz. Our communications nowadays seem to be brief, full of emojis and gifs (I am not immune from doing this), but not a lot of meaning. Even though they say a picture is worth a thousand words, I am still not sure what half of those emojis mean. Would you rather open a text to see this, "Your presence in my life brings me immense joy," or a smiley face? I know which one I would fondly remember when I thought about it later.
"Words are sacred. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones, in the right order, you can nudge the world a little." - Tom Stoppard. Let us be mindful about the words that we use, on ourselves and others. Let's try to raise the vibration contained within them, thereby bringing light into a difficult existence. I believe in you!
Love and Hope,
Big Sky Baby