Words Can be Very Powerful
Often, we inadvertently insult people in our conversation. This may have happened to you: a friend makes a comment that shows they don’t see you as you see yourself. Maybe they don’t think you’re quite as intelligent as you do. Or, maybe they think you’re not capable, or weak, or older than you think you look.
Open up or Close Down
You can open people up or close them down with your conversation. In a Chinese Treasure called Thunder in the Sky, writerThomas Cleary translates The Master of the Demon Valley. He writes:
“Thus to talk of longevity, happiness, wealth, status, honor, fame, love, fondness, material gain, success, joy or desire is yang; this is called the beginning. And to talk of death, grief, trouble, poverty, disgrace, rejection, loss, disappointment, injury, punishment, execution, or penalty is yin; this is called the end.”
The mouth is the door of the mind;
Your mouth is the doorway to other’s minds. Hook their attention and control their minds.The mind is the host of the spirit. Opening means speech. Closing means silence. What you say and don’t say–matters.
Exercise:
Today and for the next week, be aware of what you’re talking about and what you’re not saying. Ask yourself, am I beginning to open something or am I closing and ending something? What am I speaking about? What is it leading to?
Buy Thunder in the Sky
Thanks for reading,
