Skip to main content

The Power of Words

                                                         [Image: Pixabay]

The power of words cannot be under estimated. It is not always people who hurt us as much as their words do. Perhaps we all live such rush-filled lives that we don't even pause to think before we say something that can be hurtful. Sometimes words can make you cry. Think about this when you feel tempted to use words to hit back.

Words have tremendous power. They have life. They spark love, hate and a melange of emotions in the human mind. They trigger actions and reactions that have far-reaching implications in an individual's life. 

When you offer hope and compassion, it lights up a person's life. When you criticize someone without thinking about how deeply it hurts that person, it is your words that will never be forgotten by that person. 

Have you ever recalled the words of those who have hurt your feelings? Then you would know the importance of using words with more care and compassion.

Pause and think of the most beautiful words some one special has said to you. 

As you reflect on it, the heart seems to burst with lightness and an array of sensations that may range from happiness to pleasure.

Do you feel the silken sweet words slide over you like smooth soap on your skin?

Imagine how beautiful the world and how happy everyone would be if we used words with care and not with an intention to hurt or to judge or to belittle others. 

Do share your story and do take out some time to read mine please.
Labels:

Comments

Ajith said…
Since this is about power of words i was reading Amma(mata amritananda mayi)s new year speech.Amma said is that if we had a bank account and every day 86,400 rupees were deposited into it, but if every rupee was not used it would dissappear at the end of the day, than what would we do? We would use every single rupee every day no? So Amma said we all have such bank accounts, we each are given 86,400 seconds in a day...if we do not use every second for doing good deeds, kind actions, meditation and kind words then those moment are lost. And we can never use the moments of today for tomorrow. Therefore Amma asked that we not sit idle, to sit idle can become hellish, we must embrace each day...bathe our minds with enthusiasm and use every moment wisely. The idea is simple and we already knew it but the way its presented brings in a new perspective for the whole point...Happy new year...keep bloggin...
January 4, 2014 at 2:43 AM
Vishnu said…
I too love words Swapna because of all the things you describe and more. And it has a very strong force, can be used for good or bad.

Having worked in politics, I've seen firsthand the power of words to uplift and inspire versus belittle and bring down. In politics especially, sometimes silence isn't such a bad thing either. haha

In addition to the strength of words, there is something to be said about saying nothing at all. Maybe when the words are too difficult to say, silence will be enough?
January 5, 2014 at 5:28 AM
Swapna Raghu Sanand said…
@Ajith: That's such a heart warming comment you have shared here. I like to call them AMMA's Gems because they are simple and easy to understand yet so profound when you look at it from a spiritual and practical perspective. Thanks so much for sharing this here. I truly value and respect Amma's words.
January 7, 2014 at 1:09 PM
Swapna Raghu Sanand said…
@Vishnu - Thanks so much for bringing out a different angle to the power of words. You are right. In politics especially, words can make and break not just just the prospects of politicians but can even steer the nation's destiny in an altogether different direction.

I also liked what you mentioned about silence. In meditation, it is the silence that teaches you more about your oneness with the Universe than all the words and philosophies we read throughout the day.

Another thought that springs to my mind is the silence of the jungle. The silence is so deafening, almost frightening and even the rustle of a leaf can send out echoes and chills down your spine. Yet the silence has a magical mystery of its own that tells you there is so much to left to discover and experience from the sojourn into the wild....maybe I am rambling, here but I like sharing these thoughts with people like you who can understand what I am trying to convey.
January 7, 2014 at 1:13 PM
Post a Comment

Most LOVED Posts

Best time to light diya

Want to know when is the best time to light diya or deepam at home? In most Hindu homes, 'deepam' or 'diya' is lit at least twice - once in the morning and then in the evening. For both times, brass is considered to be auspicious for lighting deepam or lamp at home. Clay diyas are auspicious for lighting at home. On Fridays, it is considered auspicious to use ghee in a silver lamp. When Should I Start Lighting Diyas? The symbolic shift begins from darkess to light. Therefore, in the evenings, light diya before sunset to usher in divine blessings into your home. Can we light diya with sunflower oil? No, do not use sunflower oil for lighting diya. Can I use cooking oil to light diya? No, you should not use cooking oil to light diya. Which oil to use for daily diya? Use sesame or gingelly oil for daily diya. What to burn in a diya? Use ghee or sesame oil or mustard oil. Can we put coconut oil in diya? Yes, you can put coconut oil in diya. Which deepam oil is best for poo...
Post a Comment
Read more

Does something bad happen if the diya goes off?

Is it bad if a diya goes off? This is a frequently asked question among people who light the evening lamp or diya regularly in their puja room. Cultivating the attitude 'Everything is Divine Prasad', which embodies Prasada Bhakti , is a good way to minimise negative thoughts with regard to one's way of worship.  When we light the lamp in our homes, imagine you are sending out divine love to the world.  When you burn the incense stick, imagine you are burning away all negative karma within each family member and offering it before your Ishta Devata. [READ: How To Light Deepam at Home and  Why Malayalis Light Nilavilaku ]                                                     [Image by Sachin Yadav @ Pixabay] What Happens When A Diya Goes Off? Many consider it as a 'bad omen'. For a devotee who worships Ishta Devata, everything represents Divine Gra...
Post a Comment
Read more

How To Light Diya: Big Mistakes To Avoid

Wondering how to properly light a diya? What are some common mistakes to avoid while lighting diya at home? As a child, I used to watch my grandmother light the Nilavilakku or the traditional lamp at home. Back then, I didn't understand its deeper significance. [READ: Why Malayalis Light Nilavilakku ] Lighting a diya or a lamp embodies our inner journey from darkness to light. T he transition represents a deep metaphysical truth: the triumph of light over darkness. Are you lighting your diyas wrong? Use these tips! [Source: Pexels.com] How To Properly Light A Diya At Home 1. Never place your diya or lamp on the floor to light it in your pooja room. Keep a Thaali/Plate under it. You can keep a small brass plate under the lamp. Don't use that Thaali/Plate for any other purpose once you use it for this purpose. 2. Don't put your diya or lamp in any place where it is not clean earlier. Before you place the diya or lamp, make sure ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Ugly Truth about Caste in Kerala

Many years ago, when I wrote this post on Kerala's caste system, I had not considered that people would start sending in abusive comments about one caste over the other. It baffles me that this is how Indians, all of us, continue to judge each other on account of caste differences.  [ READ: Guru Kripa: Powerful Lessons at the Lotus Feet ] My question is - why do you ABUSE any caste or community? I suggest that you read about the lives of great Masters and their stories - none of them judged anyone on the basis of caste.  You can read the life stories of Sri Adi Shankara Bhagawadpada, Tulsidas, Jnaneshwar, Namadev, Sri Aurobindo, Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, Shirdi Sai Baba, and many more Gurus in Sanathana Dharma. NONE of them endorse these caste hierarchies in Bhakti Marga. Assuming that Guru Sampradaya does not appeal to your sensibilities, do read this  new book 'Ants among Elephants' written by Sujatha Gidla, who writes about herself as being bor...
181 comments
Read more

Gayatri Mantra as Panchamukhi: Get it right or let it go

Most people do not understand the importance of chanting the Gayatri mantra because they are not aware of its power. It is only when I began to read Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba's teachings that I learned how sacred and powerful the chanting of the Gayatri mantra is.   [Subscribe to my weekly newsletter now]   The Vedas represent the breath of God. The Gayatri mantra is the very basis of the Vedas. Try not to undertake chanting the Gayatri mantra as a light endeavor or as a hobby. It has to be chanted with faith, discipline and purity of mind and body. Be steady with your sadhana if you want to reap the spiritual dividend associated with the Gayatri mantra  and never once hesitate once you decide to do it.  Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba said that the Gayatri Mantra is referred to as Pancha Mukhi, the Goddess with five faces that represent the five pranas or life forces. Here's more on it. .  Also read: The Power of OM  and Dark Night of the Sou...
40 comments
Read more