The Power of Language

[Guest guest]

 

The Power Of Language

 

 

 

 

Are you happy with your life?

Are you finding satisfaction and joy in daily living?

Or are you feeling burdened by the many ups and downs that life seems to delight in tossing your way?

Whether we realize it or not, our thoughts create what happens in our lives. Those many random and often confused thoughts that seemingly come from nowhere create our expressions - verbally, emotionally and then manifest in our resultant actions. They are somewhat like the paint that is splashed upon the canvas to create a picture. When the paint is splashed randomly the result is likely to end up looking chaotic and disorganized and open to multiples of interpretation. Yet when there is forethought and clarity around what the end result will ultimately be, the paint is then applied methodically, creatively and instinctively.

The majority of people will deny they’ve created the life they’re leading; in many instances they will attribute their problems to factors outside of themselves. They protest they would never create their lack of financial security, would not wish for the ill health they’re experiencing, could not have created the family strife and misfortune that has beset them, and so on.

On the conscious level of intent, that may very well be true. If one has a choice between financial security and financial insecurity, the preferred choice is obvious. And the same applies for health or ill health or any other situations where there is an element of duality. In our hearts we generally desire happiness, love, abundance, peace and all the wonderfully positive aspects of life.

It is not as if we consciously and deliberately decide we’re going to create hardship for ourselves.

Language is powerful.

It’s important to have an awareness that what we say and think creates what happens in our lives. An example of this is demonstrated in the following situation. We often use expressions that we’re not consciously aware of, as in this instance. A friend of mine knew a lady who had gotten into the habit of beginning many of her sentences with the phrase, ‘I can’t stand….’ This phrase may have been used to indicate a discomfort with the heat or maybe intolerance to a certain food or to some behaviors. The underlying intent is irrelevant, but the words ‘I can’t stand’ over a period of time were literally absorbed by both the conscious and sub-conscious minds, and ultimately by her body. She had a fall and broke both ankles!

Other examples I hear people use constantly include, ‘there’s not enough time’, ‘I am asthmatic/diabetic’ (or whatever condition they have), ‘it’s so hard/difficult’, ‘there’s never enough money’, ‘I want more money/security/etc’, ‘the world’s not a safe place’, ‘I’m too busy’ and so on. Whatever you feel, think or say is what happens. So, if you constantly say ‘it’s so hard’, then that is the case. When you have a perception or belief around something you then draw to yourself those experiences that will reinforce that belief or perception.

In our society we have a natural tendency in many daily interactions to often speak without thinking. Words spill out automatically and we rarely question the origin of our beliefs and thoughts, let alone the real meanings of the words we use regularly in conversation.

How often do we question whether what we say actually reflects our true beliefs?

Do we really mean what we say? Or do our words contradict our thoughts? When there is confusion and contradiction in our emotions, thoughts, words and actions then that is what we create in our lives – further confusion and contradiction. And we then wonder how we can possibly change things around for the better, without realizing we’ve actually created what we have!

There are some simple steps that can be taken to begin making positive changes. Over time the cumulative effects of these changes will become evident in all areas of daily living.

1.  Be happy. This is not as impossible as it may seem. There are many magical moments in each day. Become aware of them and appreciate them. The more you focus your energy on finding those special happy moments the more you will come to see them in everyday situations.  

2.  Live in the moment. The past is done with; don’t dwell on regrets about what could have been. Instead, learn from the mistakes and make whatever changes in behavior and emotions you feel are necessary. The future is still to unfold; worrying about it will only add to the stresses of life. By living in the moment there is less room for negativity and fear.  

3.  Give gratitude. In spite of the many aspects of our lives that may appear hopeless there is still an abundance to be thankful for. We often tend to overlook all we have and focus on what we lack. Instead, give thanks for all the little and not so little things. One of the ‘tricks’ I learned a number of years ago was to give thanks for the things I did not have but envisaged I would have, and in time they manifested.

4.  Use only positive and affirming language – about yourself, other people and situations. This can sometimes be one of the most challenging tasks in turning around our lives, as we generally tend of think of ourselves negatively and often our viewpoint of society is tinged with fear and uncertainty.

5.  When speaking negatively, with judgment and criticism stop and think about what you are saying. What energy does this language create? Remember that what you give out is what you get back. The old adage, ‘If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all’ is still relevant. However, in this instance it’s also important to not think negatively. As individuals we are hugely powerful, only we’ve forgotten that. We can actually stop the negative thoughts coming into our minds, and this can be achieved by focusing on the positive and being in the present moment. Sure, it takes practice to make this change, but be realistic; remember it’s taken many years to develop those negative thoughts and beliefs.

6.  Be constantly aware of the thoughts that surface. With that awareness then ask, ‘Where does this come from?’ ‘Do I really believe/know this?’ ‘Do the words I use match this thought?’ By questioning and understanding where our beliefs come from we can then begin to really express our true thoughts and feelings and not those we take from our families and society in general. Thus we are able to ‘speak our truth’ – an important aspect to creating a positive and meaningful life.

7.  Stop blaming others for your life and whatever misfortunes that occur. Ask yourself, ‘Who owns this problem?’ If it’s yours then take responsibility and whatever action is necessary to make the desired changes. If it’s not your problem, then allow others to be responsible for their lives. 

Making long-lasting change for the better in one’s reality requires discipline, commitment and a belief that it’s possible. For a thought to become real it must be clear, concise and sustained over time in order for it to manifest.

Believe in yourself and your ability to create a life of peace, joy, abundance and love. With this belief you can create miracles in your life!  ©