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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.

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...
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?
@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.
@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.

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