TL;DR
Whom am I speaking to? Who is this going to help?
My Practical Experience
My Mind Dump.
This post is meant to be the development of an alternative to the power of listening, and why we should listen more often.
We’re already aware of the benefits of listening, but what about the other end?
The few times we do speak, what do we say?
Random ideas I’m putting together
Biblical References
In Biblical references, we find that God spoke the universe into existence.
“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
He gathers the waters of the sea into jars[a];
he puts the deep into storehouses.
Let all the earth fear the Lord;
let all the people of the world revere him.
For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.”
Psalm 33:6-9
God spoke the universe into existence. God’s creative act of speaking matter, life, and being into existence out of nothing sets Him apart as God.
Because God spoke everything into existence, His creation also says something about God. Creation “pours forth speech” in that it reveals what is true about God. It reveals His glory.
Our words are closely connected with our selves; there is an intimacy between our words and our being. There is an intimate connection between God and that which he spoke into being with his words.
Source: live it blog
This is particularly true in relation to us humans, who are made in His image. God knows each and every one of us before we are born. He knows us better than we know ourselves
Why am I writing this
I’ve previously concluded that the words we select create the habitual narrative we tell ourselves, and this habitual story determines how we interact with the world.
I recall speaking to my younger brother about the value and importance of reading books, and how increasing the quality of our vocabulary greatly influences our success in all aspects of life (wealth, relationships, fitness, etc.).
He responded, “Well, if it’s as simple as hard work, then why bother with reading”
This was a great response, to which I replied.
“It’s true that hard work is important, but it’s not the only factor towards success. Imagine a brick-layer, a doctor, and a billionaire. All these people work hard, but do you think they have the same quality of life? Likewise, do you think these people have the same thinking and understanding of the world?”
It was at the moment he started understanding the greater effect the nuance of our words have on us.
Side note: I always love moments like these. I love speaking to children, and especially my brothers, on trying to explain complex ideas simple enough for children to understand. It’s so much fun and I learn so much along the way.
Going back to my brother’s thinking, his thinking is an example of a limited understanding of reality, and hence the narrative he tells himself–that pure hard work, although important, does not directly tie into success.
What is the relationship between human language and the life that we create for ourselves, other people, and the world around us?
Firstly, it suggests that language possesses a creative capacity.
In the same way that God’s words brought forth the physical universe, our words have the potential to shape the realities we experience.
Expressing ideas, influencing others, and bringing about change in our personal lives and the world around us.
Furthermore, this concept emphasizes the responsibility and stewardship that comes with the use of language. Just as God’s words were intentional and purposeful in the act of creation, our words should be chosen wisely, promoting truth, kindness, and understanding rather than causing harm or spreading falsehoods.
Additionally, the idea of God speaking the universe into existence implies that there is an inherent connection between language and the divine; language is seen as a reflection of the divine order, as it is through language that God’s creative power was manifested.
My own experience
Self-awareness often comes from being able to write down, on paper with words, what’s on your mind.
Plans are created with words.
Images in our minds are generated through words first (if you think of an elephant, you will interpret the understanding of an elephant, and then imagine the elephant–all in a matter of microseconds)
Questions I have
- according to Biblical references, God spoken the universe into existence. What is the significance of this action? What can we imply about the relationship between human Langauge and the life that we create for ourselves, other people, and the world around us?
- Does ideal speaking involve:
- Asking questions
- Asking for clarification
- Asking for what you want
- Providing statements of truth
- saying when you don’t know the answer to something
- providing answers to questions that you know to be truthful
- Asking questions
- “Our actions speak louder than words”
- Does this imply that “speaking” is more complicated than mere speech?
- If so, how should we act?