disclaimer: the following is written first as a reminder
to myself. I hope that you find it
helpful. vhf
The past week has
been a continuous flow of tragedies…one after the other. The collective consciousness was overwhelmed
with grief, fear, and anger. As I read
the outpouring of emotions on Facebook, email, texts, and the news, one thing
became clearer to me: #wordsmatter. Words
are more than surface semantics. Words
have the power to uplift and to wound.
Two people write a
post with essentially the same superficial meaning but they choose very
different words to convey the sentiment.
One post might edge us closer to reconciliation; the other might push us
into reactionary mode. Since we are
unable to see the body language of the person who wrote it or do more than
guess their intent, we are left to interpret the comments based solely upon
their words.
For those who
believe that choosing words is a choice of semantics, I respectfully
differ. As a writer, my words are meant to
spark particular emotions. I have
discovered that the energy behind chosen words paints images that resonates
deeply into our being creating cellular memories.
Words trigger reactions
that emanate deeply from our being. Sometimes
we are not even aware of the power inherent in our word choice. We may be surprised by the reactions
triggered. And, we may find our self
confused by a certain reaction. I once
used a word in an email that caused a extreme reaction in at least two
people. To this day, I do not completely understand
their reactions, but I do remember them. And, I take greater care in choosing my words.
Have you noticed how
certain words impact you? Try this:
Part 1
· Focus on your breath
· Visualize your breath flowing through
your body energizing and relaxing
· Rest in the silence created by your
focused breathing
· Quiet your mind
· Be aware
· Now, hear another say these words to
you, “You don’t understand”
· How do these words resonate in your
body?
o
Use
all of your senses to gain a clear image
· Let go of the resonance in your body
by breathing in love and compassion
· Embrace your desire to understand
Part 2
· Return to your breath allowing it to
energize and relax
· Allow your mind to quiet
· Now, hear another say these words to
you, “You are ignorant”
· How do these words resonate in your
body?
o
Use
all of your senses to gain a clear image
· Let go of the resonance in your body
by breathing in love and compassion
· Embrace your desire to understand
What can we do? As we understand how #wordsmatter, we really
pay attention to not only what we are saying but how it is being heard. We recognize the violence that is inherent in
some words and the invitation present in others. We may re-read what we have written or be
more deliberate in the words we speak.
But, most importantly we forgive our self for those words misspoken and
miswritten. We become beings whose
compassion is woven into our words.
My #wordsmatter
because #youmatter,
Vanessa
Vanessa is an Intuitive Coach, Community
Builder, and Author.
More from Vanessa: www.intentandaction.com
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