I want to talk about words and being aware which we use and how, i.e. I stopped (or I am working hard on stopping) using the word "shame", and I notice how different it feels to say: "it is sad that we won't see each other" or even more accurately: "I am sad that we won't see each other", rather than: "it's a shame we won't see each other". Who do we assume is or should feel ashamed for us not seeing each other?
I am making deliberate changes to the language I use, to explore - and promote - clarity, accuracy and authenticity to the expressing of own experience. This, for the lack of a better description, feels true.
Another example where I find the difference noticeable is when I replace saying: "you/they/it made me feel... (sad, angry, bad)", with a less accusing and a more self-aware: "when you/they/it did.... I felt....".
Words are powerful tools and lethal weapons in one. Just like axes, spades, dynamite, cars, drugs... Oh, ok - just like any human creation 🤔... So if we think about it that way - because humans did create languages too - then the comparison arises: when used responsibly, well-intended and with care, words, like axes, can be tools of creation. When used in the heat of anger, or the grip of fear, words, like axes, can cause more damage than we can ever repair.
