The Art of Living ------------ A Ten Part Series by a Modern Day Yogi ------------- Part 4 Words
The Art of Living-Part 4 Words
What is the most important part of any relationship? “The words.”
If we honor ourselves and are honest with what
we know as the truth (the inner intelligence) inside each individual as
described in the Bhagavad Gita. We would understand that anything we say or do
if not done with integrity would become the cause for personal suffering.
Evidence of the value of our relationships manifests within our reality. We
nurture our relationships with the use of words and deeds. Words are formulated
internally before they are spoken. The words have their inception deep inside the brain.
The filtering mechanism which we call the ego parses our words in order
to deliver them with context that is relevant for the situation.
At the crossroad of human interaction, we
constantly evaluate our verbal responses (consciously or unconsciously). If we
think before we speak, we automatically process the words that we want to use
inside our brains and pass these words through our filtering mechanism (the
ego). This filtering process allows one to modify or enhance the words in such
a way that they are delivered with an emotional meaning that returns an
appropriate or non-appropriate response. The use of words within the context of
human dynamics leaves the translation of what is spoken open for
interpretation. If the interpretation of the words that are spoken is acceptable
to the person receiving them “all is well”. If the response is unacceptable,
there is generally some type of exchange or more words to clarify any
misunderstanding. This can result in an “all is well” response. However, all is not well if the exchange is
not acceptable by one person or the other in the conversation. This is where
turmoil could begin between a lover, a friend or a total stranger. If we do not
hear what we expect or accept from another person, our ego is not satisfied and
therefore triggers the mind to formulate a response that could further
emotionally charge the discussion. This is one example of the
importance of words in our daily lives. And the misunderstandings that words could
cause when the ego feels threatened or confused.
I agree that our words have the most powerful
impact on our relationships. I recently learned that sometimes people hold onto a
deep seated issue that can trigger an explosion of emotion. And sometimes
though you may be witness to this outburst, it may in fact be a release that
needed just one more incident to open the seal on the tightly held emotions. In
response, to a highly charged situation, yoga was beneficial in the use of the
breathing techniques and the mindfulness practice known as present moment awareness. Sometimes the best response is listening
to your inner divine self before you allow the ego to respond.
Namaste,
Dee Williams
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