Post by modorney on Jan 13, 2011 8:54:56 GMT -5
From:
www.secretan.com/
Let’s Choose Our Words Carefully
Before writing here about choosing our words carefully, I want to be sure I am doing the same. So I have paused to reflect on the tragedy of the recent shootings in Arizona in order to allow the anger, outrage, disgust, loss and pain to be balanced with sadness, disappointment, prayer, reflection and thoughtful discourse about how we heal ourselves.
Perhaps one of the most profound and human observations about this calamity came from Scott Kelly, brother-in-law of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, the Arizona lawmaker who was among the 19 people shot at a constituent meeting outside a supermarket in Tucson. Kelly spoke these words from the International Space Station, where he serves as space station commander:
“We have a unique vantage point here aboard the International Space Station. As I look out the window, I see a very beautiful planet that seems very inviting and peaceful. Unfortunately, it is not. These days, we are constantly reminded of the unspeakable acts of violence and damage we can inflict upon one another, not just with our actions, but also with our irresponsible words. We’re better than this. We must do better.”
Marty Kaplan has written eloquently about the consequences of using violent metaphors and I have devoted much of my teaching to altering the language we use to inspire in my books as well as in training programs. I am not here to explain why bad things happen to good people. But I do know this: the use of toxic, violent language – whether it is in jest, as a metaphor or as a literal statement – triggers neuro-chemicals that release stress hormones and compromise the immune system. Our research has shown that the opposite is true too – if we want to be inspiring, and to inspire others, we need to choose our words carefully.
When I say that “This is chocolate cake to die for” I may intend it as a figure of speech – but the word “die” trips biochemicals that makes us sick – even when we do not intend this consequence. If I say, “This is chocolate cake to LIVE for!” different biochemicals are released, including interleukin 2, which strengthens our immune system, builds health and leads to personal inspiration.
There are no simple cause-and-effect links in world affairs, but we can play an important part in creating inspiring relationships and organizations by choosing our words carefully. As each of us lives this way, conscious of our choices of words and their impact on others, we can change the world.
An old fable goes like this: A wise teacher instructed his student to place a single feather on the doorstep of each house in town before sunrise. The student completed the task and returned to report on his assignment. “Now,” said the wise teacher, “return to each doorstep in town and collect all the feathers”. But the student returned sharing his frustration with his teacher, exclaiming that the wind had blown all the feathers away. The teacher explained to the student, “Never forget. Each of your words is like a feather in the wind. Once spoken, no amount of effort, regardless how heartfelt or sincere, can ever return them to your mouth. Choose your words well, and guard them most of all in the presence of those you love.”
www.secretan.com/
Let’s Choose Our Words Carefully
Before writing here about choosing our words carefully, I want to be sure I am doing the same. So I have paused to reflect on the tragedy of the recent shootings in Arizona in order to allow the anger, outrage, disgust, loss and pain to be balanced with sadness, disappointment, prayer, reflection and thoughtful discourse about how we heal ourselves.
Perhaps one of the most profound and human observations about this calamity came from Scott Kelly, brother-in-law of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, the Arizona lawmaker who was among the 19 people shot at a constituent meeting outside a supermarket in Tucson. Kelly spoke these words from the International Space Station, where he serves as space station commander:
“We have a unique vantage point here aboard the International Space Station. As I look out the window, I see a very beautiful planet that seems very inviting and peaceful. Unfortunately, it is not. These days, we are constantly reminded of the unspeakable acts of violence and damage we can inflict upon one another, not just with our actions, but also with our irresponsible words. We’re better than this. We must do better.”
Marty Kaplan has written eloquently about the consequences of using violent metaphors and I have devoted much of my teaching to altering the language we use to inspire in my books as well as in training programs. I am not here to explain why bad things happen to good people. But I do know this: the use of toxic, violent language – whether it is in jest, as a metaphor or as a literal statement – triggers neuro-chemicals that release stress hormones and compromise the immune system. Our research has shown that the opposite is true too – if we want to be inspiring, and to inspire others, we need to choose our words carefully.
When I say that “This is chocolate cake to die for” I may intend it as a figure of speech – but the word “die” trips biochemicals that makes us sick – even when we do not intend this consequence. If I say, “This is chocolate cake to LIVE for!” different biochemicals are released, including interleukin 2, which strengthens our immune system, builds health and leads to personal inspiration.
There are no simple cause-and-effect links in world affairs, but we can play an important part in creating inspiring relationships and organizations by choosing our words carefully. As each of us lives this way, conscious of our choices of words and their impact on others, we can change the world.
An old fable goes like this: A wise teacher instructed his student to place a single feather on the doorstep of each house in town before sunrise. The student completed the task and returned to report on his assignment. “Now,” said the wise teacher, “return to each doorstep in town and collect all the feathers”. But the student returned sharing his frustration with his teacher, exclaiming that the wind had blown all the feathers away. The teacher explained to the student, “Never forget. Each of your words is like a feather in the wind. Once spoken, no amount of effort, regardless how heartfelt or sincere, can ever return them to your mouth. Choose your words well, and guard them most of all in the presence of those you love.”
