WORDS
By Laura Palermo
This month, I decided to focus on the power of words in general. I must admit that this is partly due to coming across one of my favourite quotes from the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling (quote pictured above). I want to focus specifically on the way we use words.
We talk a lot about the words we say to ourselves and others. Positive internal and external talk has such a profound effect on so many aspects of our lives. I’m not talking about merely saying what others want to hear or using words to fulfil an agenda. By using them in this way, aren’t we doing ourselves a disservice? What about respecting the gift of language and meaning? What about the gift of voice? Words spoken with authenticity can hold magic, much more than those expressed for the sake of it.
As I am writing this, I remember one of my favourite movies starring Audrey Hepburn. Yes, I’m talking about My Fair Lady. There is one song, in particular, playing over and over in my head. Just a section of it: “Words! Words! Words. I’m so sick of words! I get words all day through; first from HIM now from YOU! Is that all you blighters can do?”
What got me about this song, wasn’t the fact that she has spent so much time reciting words to achieve the correct pronunciation. Or that she has a migraine. It was that a lot of the time, words are bandied about haphazardly. Words without action can be rendered meaningless. It’s the intent behind the words that is important. I, for one, can type and type and type some more when I am writing something about which I feel strongly. And also, because I love writing and working with words to entertain and elicit an emotional response from my audience. But, in conversations, if I don’t have something constructive or meaningful to say, I am happy to remain silent and listen.
Another point I would like to make is to do with listening. I have noticed—even more so as I have gotten a bit older—you can hear the truth about what a person is saying, even when they are using their words to mask it. There will be a contradiction and probably a lack of feeling behind what they are saying. Unless they are excellent method actors, of course. Listening is not just about discerning between truth and untruth; it is about respecting the value of others. It is about being compassionate and encouraging others to find their voice. We learn so much listening to others—about ourselves too.
We don’t need long fancy words to say something worth saying; we need authenticity and an open ear. Let’s use our words wisely, appreciate others’ voices and the gift (not awkwardness) of silence.
Image Credit: Original image by dOn niE from Pixabay.
