Words are singularly the most powerful tool available to humanity. We can choose to use this force constructively with words of encouragement, or destructively using words of despair. Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble.
Many times we take words for granted, just as a way of communicating what we want or need. And they actually do that, but at the same time they do something bigger.
Words are powerful. Whether you write or speak them, they do have an impact on you and the others. They express feelings and share knowledge. They can change someones mood completely and ignite a spark in them.
That is why writing is an extraordinary experience. It´s not just jotting down symbols that form words, it’s a way of expressing what you feel or think. Hence why you should really think before speaking. Once the words are out, they never come back. If you want to expand motivation and peace, your words should reflect that, they should be positive. Otherwise, you would be doing the exact opposite.
Considering the ‘powerful force’ of the words we utter, we must discipline ourselves to speak in a way that conveys respect, gentleness and humility. One of the clearest signs of a moral life is right speech. Perfecting the speech is one of the keystones of mature people. Before speaking take a few moments to contemplate what you will say and how you will say it; while considering the impact they will have on the listener/s. Be kind to all and speak words that are beacons of inspiration, enthusiasm and encouragement to all. Kind and sweet words are always music to the ears of the listeners.Words spoken softly gently and lovingly will be attractive and procure instant admiration.
Many people are compelled to give voice to any passing feeling, thought or impression they have. They randomly dump the contents of their mind without regard to the significance of what they are saying. When we talk about trivial matters as in gossiping about others, our attention is wasted on trivialities.
When we speak we should speak with mindfulness, in a way to solidify peace and compassion in our characters. Not only do our words matter, but also the tone which we use has a huge impact. There are certain rules that should guide all our communications with others. Always speak the truth, avoid exaggerations, be consistent in what you are saying, don’t use double standards in addressing people, don’t use your words to manipulate others, and most importantly do not use words to insult or belittle anyone.
Thich NhatHanh, a contemporary Buddhist monk and global peace worker and writer in his book, ‘Being Peace’ states “speaking honestly in any negotiation between individuals or groups is necessary. Speaking the truth in a loving way is also necessary.” Hanh recommends only “loving speech” even when we are communicating about our differences and disagreements. We must be ‘lovingly honest’; we must discipline ourselves to speak in a manner that conveys respect, gentleness, and humility’.
Gary Chapman in his book, ‘Love as a Way of Life’ uses the vivid metaphor for words as being either ‘bullets or seeds’. If we use our words as bullets with a feeling of superiority and condemnation, we are not going to be able to restore a relationship to love. If we use our words as seeds with a feeling of supportiveness and sincere good will, we can rebuild a relationship in positive and life-affirming ways.
When we need to talk candidly about something difficult with another person, we must focus on the conversation with keen attention and purpose. During the conversation, we must listen patiently, speak tactfully, and tell the truth as we understand it. We must align our words, voice inflection and tone, eye expression, body language, and actions with our inner awareness in an honest exchange.
The power of words can have a very strong impact on our minds and in our lives. Could someone remain silent at all times? Not letting anyone know what is inside his/her heart and mind for the mere reason of not being verbally or emotionally expressive? Each and every one of us are silent talkers. We talk to ourselves in many ways and situations, sometimes we hurt ourselves and yet at other times, silent talking brings a wonderful smile to our faces. Communication is therefore very important in life.
Words are powerful and depending how they are spoken, they can influence our day-to-day thought processes, actions, behavior and our outlook towards life as a whole. Of course depending on how they are used the effect words can have is quite incredible, they can be used to persuade, inform, hurt, ease pain or even start a war! Words spoken with great emotions have the power to bring changes that can speed up the body’s healing process! This enormous power is in the meaning of the words, what they mean to the person who hears them.
Far more than simple communication, truth, falsehood and the infinite shades between them, words have the power to manipulate other people’s thinking and behavior. It is our interpretation of words that is the true cause of our emotional reactions. Words spoken softly, unselfishly, innocently and with absolute love are the ones that get lodged indelibly in our being from whence they produce their overwhelming soul stirring effect. Thus it is so important to use words selectively and appropriately at any given time and situation.
Modern science has begun to appreciate the powerful effect words can have on our bodies when they are used in the form of prayers or even affirmations. Science tells us that through conscious effort, we could create a very strong willpower in ourselves.
It needs to be emphasized that the power of words applies both to speech and to writing. Whether spoken or written, a word is a word. But in the case of spoken words, the impact is instantaneous and more powerful and the context and the situation also have an impact on spoken words as compared to written words. Prudence demands that words which are the basic blocks of verbal and written communication are to be chosen and used with precision.
N.Vijayagopal
