“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
– Proverbs 16:24 24

When we open our mouths to speak, go on the computer to type words, or write on a piece of paper, every letter we communicate matters. Words have energy with the power to unite or polarize. Words can heal or hurt. Words can create peace or disharmony. Words can bring beauty or disturbance. 

The effect we create by the words we communicate with is our choice. Many of us already know the power of words but still respond with a knee-jerk reaction using words that are harmful causing stress or discontent. I admit I do this when I am frustrated or angry.

It feels like we don’t have control. But we do. Throughout the busyness of life, we need constant reminders the words we say or write have a ripple effect on the world. I know for me, I want to create a positive impact with everything I do, say and act. So, I need to work on this all the time.

One way to create awareness of how you speak is to notice how your body feels when you say certain words. For example, when I say things in anger directed towards another person, I feel icky and gross. Like I want to detox from the toxic junk. But when I say something loving towards another person, I feel joyful and vibrant. Like a bucket of light poured down my head filling my body with peace.

Another way to create awareness is to notice how you feel when someone says certain words to you. If someone says something rude or raises their voice, I feel defensive, withdrawn and anxious. Like I am not good enough feeling less than. But if someone says something kind or speaks in a soft, loving tone, I am receptive and willing to be open. It makes me worthy, energized and peaceful. I feel safe.

Think about yourself in these situations. How do they make you feel? What does it feel like in your body? Does it make you want to scream or rejoice? Does it feel painful or healing? Do you feel like you want to run and hide or jump up and down with joy?

Take time to build your awareness of how your thoughts effect your body, how you think and how it drives your actions. The deeper awareness you develop, the easier it will be to catch yourself when your thoughts are negative and not helpful to your well-being.

Not only do our words matter when speaking to the external world, but our words matter when we speak to our internal world. I believe these words matter most. Our thoughts effect our hearts resulting in how we respond to the world and the people we interact with daily.

The more positive thoughts we say about ourselves and our life, the happier and content we are. The happier and content we are, the more peace and harmony we spread to the environment we live in.

“Whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.”
-Philippians 4:8

Over time, we’ll deepen our awareness of the words choose to use and how they affect ourselves and others. We’ll become more confident knowing we can create beautiful music with our voices and thoughts sending positive energy of love, peace and harmony to the world around us.

Photo by Ash Edmonds on Unsplash