|
Dear ,
Preparing this month’s newsletter and my next online workshops, I remembered that I had once written a newsletter about the topic of the evening session I will offer at the beginning of July. When I searched my files, I realized that it was exactly the same month of June 5 years ago. What a coincidence. I can’t believe how quickly time has passed.
Some of you have followed me since then and might still remember, others might have read about it in my book, but I feel it is something that we cannot reflect on often enough. Today I would like to share with you an excerpt of 2020’s
“The Power of Words”
Words are our means of communication. Through words we express ourselves and connect to others. Through words we explain, reach out, teach, ask questions and answer questions.
Words are powerful. Words can create but they can also destroy. One single word spoken thoughtlessly can destroy a long-lasting friendship – it can even destroy a life. One single word spoken with care can save a life and be the start of a lifelong friendship.
When I look at the news and social media these days, I feel inundated with thoughtlessly spoken words. Words that feel like being spoken too quickly, out of rage, judgement, fear or simply helplessness. I can witness a split in society, enemies that 4 weeks ago have been friends, aggression rising ….. (the latter might have slowed down a bit since 2020 and yet, new topics have come up with similar reactions)
Of course, I agree that there are things that have to be said, that cannot be left unspoken – the question is only – how do we use words to communicate them?
The best intention, the most genuine conscience, the most important message can lead to war, exclusion and destruction – when words are chosen from a place where love is missing.
All this made me realize that none of us, none of our children, has ever been taught the importance and the power of words.
When we are children, we learn how to talk and we learn this by imitating our parents, family and the world around us. When we go to school (or now even before in kindergarten) we learn how to read and write. But we never learn about the power of words, we never learn how to really use words properly in a way that they support our peacefully living together in a community.
And I was thinking how much difference it would make today if we all were taught as children to use words in an including, respectful, acknowledging, creative and compassionate way. I imagined this for a moment, and I could see that our whole communication would be different. Everything we share on social media would be different. The way journalists write would be different and the way politicians talk to us would be different.
And this is where every one of us comes in.
Which words do we choose?
Do we speak from a place of love or a place of fear and rejection?
Do we choose our words wisely with conscious action or do our words emerge from an unconscious reaction to something we read or heard?
****
2020 it was more about communication between us and our fellow humans. In the last years I realized more and more that it all starts with and within ourselves.
It starts with the words that we choose when we talk to ourselves, with the words that we choose when we tell the stories of our past, with the words that form our thoughts even before speaking out loud.
Are you aware of how you use words in this context? Are you aware of the power they might have over you, your actions and reactions, your decisions, your relationships, your whole life?
Maybe just observe yourself in the coming days and see what you will notice.
If you want to dive deeper into this topic you can or join the next online healing group session (find more information below) or get a copy of my book (find information at the end of this newsletter).
For the month of June, I wish that your words may contribute to the spirit of love and reconciliation
Ursula |
