I rarely post twice on the same day but wanted to share this thought on violence with you.
A thought. We all have varying opinions on why our society is so much more violent these days.
Here’s mine.
Language.
The things we say embed themselves into our lives. Make impressions on our souls.
Do you ever say “I could just smack her” or “I’d like to punch him in the face”?
Do you use violent language without thinking twice?
I do.
I even jokingly tell my dog that I will beat her like a rug. Of course I’d never hit her. It’s just a joke, right?
It’s always a joke–except when I’m mad. Then there’s heat behind those violent words that I fling out at a driver who pissed me off. There’s unformed intention floating around my heart.
Would I do it if I had the chance? Of COURSE not.
But what is that saying about thoughts becoming intentions so make yours good ones?
I’m not saying that our society’s use of “one of these days, Alice, straight to the moon” is the root of all evil.
All I’m saying is that I am personally pledging to make 2013 (and the rest of 2012) a non-violent words year. Maybe I’m not the type to knife or shoot or run over another person, but who’s to say my words aren’t shoving, pushing, pointing me to that eventuality?
If you catch me using violent language, will you help me correct my course? I’d appreciate it.
P. to the S. If this were a Tarot card, it would be the Five of Swords. I took this picture in Laguna Beach, CA April 2012.
Seek Joy, Y’all. Please pass it on.
Hmmmm… I have mixed responses to this within myself, Arwen. I totally acknowledge and respect your decision, and I definitely can’t argue with the idea of being more mindful and considered in my own language.
At the same time, the idea of trying to eliminate violence completely from my own language (or my own life) feels… like I’m missing something. Like I’m trying to focus exclusively on the light, without acknowledging the reality of the dark. For me, channelled, focussed violence – a boxing session with my trainer, or a sparring session with a friend – is an outlet I need sometimes. Trying to use only non-violent language would feel like I was trying to deny that part of me.
Still… you’ve given me a lot to think about with your post. Thank you for that!
Blessings
TANJA
I totally hear you, Tanja. For me, I don’t want to say things that are acts of violence. I’m not talking about not ranting or being angry or venting. For me, there’s a difference in saying, “Shit that pisses me off” and “I’d like to punch him in the face”. Both express emotion but one, for me, includes violent language.
*nods* – that makes sense. I guess it comes down to not saying things you wouldn’t actually be comfortable (or at least willing) to do.
So for me then, I could still happily talk about going to “kick the crap out of the focus pads” or “beating up inanimate objects” when I get frustrated or overwhelmed, but I’d never talk about doing physical violence to another person or sentient being… which I don’t *think* I do very often.
Cool – I can see where we’re coming from different angles there then. And yes – blessings on your decision. May you get the support and feedback you need to notice yourself when you’re doing it / about to do it, and to actively choose in the moment to be as conscious as you want to be π
Tanja, we all get to the center from different spokes. π
What a huge decision – I cheer you on all the way, Arwen! Keeping our thoughts, and in extension, our language “clean” is such an important step towards eliminating violence. I’m inspired to do the same thing now – thanks for this! π
Much love and blessings,
Sibylle
It’s not easy. I had a funny moment yesterday with friends. I threatened to “kick your ass” in a funny way and the word I self-deleted? Kick. Not ass. We all laughed but it did make me stop and think about how easy it is for me to use language like that.
I don’t think I use violent words much out loud, but I must confess to a sometimes rather aggressive inner angry child. This is a good thing to try and work on, thanks for the reminder, Arwen π
Very well said.
I would like to quit expressing aggressiveness verbally as well.
I agree with Tanja, we must not overlook the “shadow” part of ourselves, and that’s precisely what I wrote about in my last post, but since I have the luxury of expressing my feelings visually and dealing with them that way, I’d like to stop the negativity towards other people in my words.
I also get very annoyed by a certain colleague of mine who is very aggressive verbally, which is a sign it’s something I should deal with myself.
Words are such a powerful tool, and they’re energetically much “louder” than our thoughts.
I will start monitoring what goes out of my mouth more closely π
Nela, I’ve always know words can hurt “you’re too skinny, you’re fat,” etc but now I am working on the more culturally invasive (for me) words. π