The power of words is immense—a mastery I am still working to achieve. Words hold such potency that they can shape a person’s trajectory, influencing them profoundly for better or for worse. They can be used to inspire, or they can strip a person of their sense of worth, leaving them to spiral into depression. For some, words are merely a tool to manipulate those who struggle to think independently.
They can push an otherwise good person to lose grip on their inherently gentle nature, sending them down a rabbit hole, over the edge of an abyss, or toward the ultimate destruction of a life. Conversely, words can guide a mind in the right direction, inspiring individuals to realize their potential and keep their faces turned toward the light of truth, love, knowledge, wisdom, logic, and rationality.
How do you choose to use your words?
Parents often jokingly use demeaning words under the guise of affection, or sharply berate a child in the name of discipline, little realizing that the child’s subconscious absorbs this negative influence. Consequently, children often grow up emulating this unnatural behavior toward others. Parents frequently overlook how such behavior erodes a child’s capacity to develop self-trust and confidence.
This wounding attitude, whether directed at a child or an adult, inflicts deep sadness and disrupts the human psyche, depending on the force with which the words are hurled. Words carry distinct energies that shape our inner world in ways we rarely recognize. Because we can never truly know the hidden stories or upbringings of those around us, we should use our words wisely, remembering
that our fellow human beings—at any age—possess equal value. This is of the utmost importance to reflect upon.
Whenever we converse with others, we should tread carefully when assuming a level of familiarity that breeds disrespect, regardless of whether our words are meant jokingly or affectionately. Every sentence we utter should achieve two things simultaneously: deliver the intended message thoughtfully, and demonstrate a genuine care for the evolving relationship. This requires us to navigate each interaction as sensitively as possible, anchored in respect and understanding. When what wishes to escape our lips has the potential to wound,
it is best to restrain the urge to speak. This is where mindfulness becomes vital. How can we translate our thoughts into words succinctly and truthfully? While it is impossible to guarantee we will never cause unintended hurt, conscious speaking greatly reduces the chances of harming another. After all, we serve as mirrors to one another; once we recognize this truth, we can fundamentally elevate ourselves and, by extension, our communication.
These reflections lead me to a deeper concept: praise. To me, genuine praise is not merely an effusive acknowledgment of someone's achievements; it is the fundamental recognition of a person as a human being, whether they are a child, a teenager, or an adult. When this recognition is denied—especially by parents, relatives, or society at large—the psychological consequences can be devastating. Because words possess such immense power, we should handle them responsibly, offering them with honesty and respect rather than using them
to misguide vulnerable minds. Restraining ourselves from thoughtless speech is a profound act of kindness. Words are the direct harvest of our thoughts. Are our minds erratic, random, and harmful, or have we learned to weed out these destructive thoughts from the otherwise magnificent garden of our inner world? In my daily life, meditation helps me pay attention, anchoring me in self-
responsibility and self-awareness. How about you?
Here is a beautifully written, thought-provoking poem by the pioneering author and clinician Dr. Irene Hickman (archived March 8, 2013), with which I deeply resonate:
Wings of Thought Dancing for All to See Take Caution, to the thorns of the mighty words, for they penetrate deeper than the longest swords.
Examine thy self to the nth degree, thy minutest wings of thought, metamorphoses for all to see. Thy thoughts enter, as the babbling brook overflowing after a heavy storm; wondering from where it came, no sooner, echo unworthy sounds sharp to the ears.
Worse, if that was not enough, the whole body dances to the tunes of one’s mind. How unpleasant the sight, to watch the dance of rage, hatred or fallaciousness; To stop the dance is to seek control and control we must. Can you see winged thoughts dancing through life?
See into the mirror, the dance, is it dark, is it light?” 