Where do Our Words Lead Us

words as song

 

Last night I watched a video (linked below) called: The Birth of a Word. I was amazed and moved. Amazed that someone could imagine how to capture the birth of a word, and amazed at that implications of what that means.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Imagine capturing the birth of a word?!

While watching the video I realized in a more profound way that the gift, or trouble our words can have on one another. That what we say does matter. That our prayers are heard, that our life song can lead others to move. Our words have, whether we believe it or not, whether spoken outloud or in our hearts, an energy, a vibration, a rich source that can be given to one another as a healing balm and or as a tool to move forward… Depending on how we use our words of course.

If we see our words as tools then what we think and say should not be taken lightly. If we  add our words to actions, then we can be encouraging vessels of love, goodness and hope.

 

 

Words as Song

 

The power of words spoken out loud, and in ones heart… it is a gift I want to embrace.

In the video "The Birth of a Word" I was struck by the graphics Deb Roy created to explain his point. While listening to Mr. Roy sharing how he collected information regarding television programming, then matched those words to a massive collections of words being said at the same time regarding the televised program they were watching. I was awestruck by the avenues that Mr. Roy's thoughts lead me. 

 

 

 

Words as Song

 

Where two or three are gathered…

 

One of the avenues my thoughts went to was about prayer: How words spoken in prayers do resound, move through space and time such as Mr. Roy's graphics showed, creating a mass, one voice. It made me believe even more in the power of prayer.

I thought of my cousin Lynn and how last night over a hundred people gathered as one outside her hospital window and prayed…

For healing, for acceptance, for a miracle, many prayers said a unison voice of love.

 

 

Words as Song

 

Another thing Mr. Roy made me think about was how he was able to collect/record the words said over five years in his home, then trace them (by video) to where in his home they were said, and then showed, for example that the word "water" was said more often in the kitchen or in the bathroom. Not that I expected the word water, being said by his child, would take place anymore in any other place. But the thought that stirred strongly in me was, "What word circles around me? What word or words, represents me? If the word "water" in Mr. Roy's description was heard, spoken and helped learned by being in the kitchen and or bathroom, then what word is thought of when it comes to me, or any of us as individuals?

What do we offer others by our being who we are? If words are learned by being around you or me then what would they be? 

Hope-

Love-

Forgiveness-

Joy-

A helping hand?

Encouragement-

Generosity.

 

 

I better stop swearing today.

 

 

Words as Song

 

 

Words, prayer, good intentions may ours be ones that lead to all that is good and worthy, and less towards prickly bits.

 



Comments

30 responses to “Where do Our Words Lead Us”

  1. I love this post Corey. It speaks to what we are going through right now with my daughter and her kindergarten teacher. We met with the principal because the teacher continuously uses words in hurtful sarcastic ways with my daughter and the other children in class. I told the principal it’s not what she says, it’s how she says it (and how it makes the children feel). I wonder what words most circle around this teacher. There are other issues of course, but time after time, it’s her words that inflict so much emotional pain. I prayed this morning in hopes that putting those words out into the universe will help. It released my anxiety and I felt as if I am handing it over to God, the universe, whatever you wish to call it. I am still praying for Lynn and your family as well. Thank you for sharing what you have discovered, it’s truly amazing.

  2. Your words are why I start every day with your blog. Excellent post. God bless you.

  3. Franca and I made it home safely yesterday and together. Thank you for everything.
    Candle was lit last night along with prayers.

  4. Your words have certainly taken flight. Perhaps you need to as well. As always, follow your heart, Corey.

  5. dmbarny@hotmail.com

    another profound post, as always,
    Best, Deb in New Jersey

  6. Corey, you and some of your and my friends know fully well about the power of the word – and the power of prayers, blessings, teaching, reading, writing….
    Bless you for this post; haven’t got the time to watch video now but wanted to let you know that Lynn and all her beloved ones are in my thoughts and prayers, and knowing that you know that this helps is good…

  7. Jennie; I have African friends who – when asked – how are you, reply: Thanks God’s help and your prayers I’m well – may your prayers for this kindergarden teacher reach her ears and more importantly, her heart. It seems like an awful start into life when a teacher that early in an education system is abusing her power…. She should get another job!

  8. Hi Kiki. Thank you so much for your kind words. That’s exactly it, the teacher has been there so long and is on a power trip and a bully, so no one challenges her. It’s amazing to me how people can speak to little 5 and 6 year olds. It gets very complicated when politics are involved. If we aren’t happy with how the principal handles things, we are going to insist our daughter be moved to a different class. Luckily there are three other options to choose from at our school. It’s a last resort, but we think she will be much happier. I haven’t prayed for the teacher yet, but that is a great idea. I hope it gets through to her. 🙂

  9. Jennie, please change classes for your child. I had a bully of a French teacher in 9th grade. I’d received straight A’s in that subject (different teacher)in 8th grade. The 9th grade French teacher discouraged me, was very condescending and mean. That is the only class I ever got a failing grade in. My mother unfortunately did not go talk to her and ask what the problem was. Even in high school, students need their parents to back them up. Mom now says she didn’t know what to do. I went on to do well in first semester German-sort of. The teacher said I answered the questions in perfect FRENCH! Thank you for standing up for your child.

  10. Profound Indeed!
    This post will be a great tool to share
    with one that I have been having difficulty
    communicating with! The words we choose,
    the tone we use and our body movements can all
    contribute to those prickly bits!
    Thank you for YOU!
    XO

  11. I always think how God used words to create the universe and how in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God….

  12. Thank you Corey, it was most interesting for me as I studied linguistics and communications, but also on the personal and human level.

  13. AMEN.

  14. This is the year for me to grasp the meaning of words since I believe positive communication is so important. What I have learned is that if there is not love in our words we should re-think what and how we are saying it. It is possible to say what needs to be said with “tough love” but it should be said with love. That has been my goal to learn how to do this in all areas of my life. To say and think with love and goodness.
    Many of us can come up with examples when people used harsh words or were mean spirited…but my new approach is to respond with love. Still learning but it is so worth it. Thanks Corey for this video.

  15. I am very thankful to have you and your blog. it has taught me so much and different ways of thinking. continuess prayers for Lynn and family. that was so touching that loved ones stood and prayed. Prayer has the strongest power. use your powers. Bestest,Denise

  16. This is why the Father said the “tongue is a 2 edged sword.” Words are powerful…..maybe if we speak slower our words would be chosen more wisely.
    As always…you are my morning coffee and meditation.
    xo

  17. I’m so sorry you went through that! It shocks me that some people are teachers. I know there are amazing teachers out there and my older son has one thank goodness. But the horrible ones make life so hard. We requested moving our daughter but the principal wouldn’t do it until he looks into the matter further. If we get the sense he is trying to sweep this under the rug (which I am starting to) we are going to demand our daughter be moved. It’s his first year as principal of this school so that doesn’t help. I am so stressed, but keep thinking everything happens for a reason, we are our daughter’s advocates, and we will ultimately learn something from this. At least the teacher will be on their radar now if they get another complaint. Thank you for sharing your story and advice! And thanks to Corey for connecting all of us!

  18. Corey, the words I learn by being around you are:
    Joy
    Inspiration
    Passion
    Creativity
    Curiosity
    Humor
    Laughter
    Play
    Tease
    Heart
    Feel
    Hope
    Imagine
    Connect
    Adventure
    Art
    Capture
    Feast
    Cherish
    Celebrate
    Dance
    Love
    Blessings from NYC

  19. Wow! I am awestruck both by this video – and also by your words about it, Corey. It is wonderful food for thought.
    p.s. wonderful is a word I think of for you too – also, brocante 😉
    p.s.s. Still praying.

  20. This reminds me of something I read in a book thirty years ago or so…about the noosphere, which was another layer of atmosphere surrounding our planet where the author believed our words and thoughts resided. I have liked to tease my husband and sons about it over the years, but have always half-believed in it. “Isn’t it pretty to think so”, as my mother used to say. And also profound, in this instance.
    xo
    Lesley

  21. Great video Corey and great discussion in the comments.

  22. Love, love, love this post! Especially your last sentence:
    “Words, prayer, good intentions may ours be ones that lead to all that is good and worthy, and less towards prickly bits.”
    Such a lovely wish and what a difference it would make if everything done in the world was initiated with these thoughts (and words!)

  23. Corey, I can’t tell you how grateful I am for this link – already thinking of multiple ways to use this with my students. However, you’re so right that it’s not just interesting from the perspective of how brilliant technology can help us understand how language works, but also because of the profound, far-reaching implications it suggests, which you’ve expressed so well here. (And on a personal level, I totally agree with Marianna’s choice of words I’d associate with you!)
    I’m adding my own words to all the others in prayers for your cousin and your family.

  24. Marianna from NYC has captured it all in one reply in response to your lovely and thoughtful posting.

  25. Even in a time of tragedy you are an inspiration…

  26. Michelle M in KY

    Still sending prayers and positive thoughts to Lynn, her family & yours. May those words sends strong vibrations of healing potential. Thinking of you Corey!

  27. Corey, your post was thought provoking and inspiring. I have always loved words and have valued the power of communication. God has given you a gift to move and inspire others. I’m thankful for your willingness to share and be a part of our lives. What a privilege to pray for your loved ones. God bless.

  28. Hi Corey, What an inspirational blogg entry today – the “words” which you have passed on to us will see their way around the world as we send it on to others as well. It was very thought provoking and moving and relevant to each and everyone of us. So many people around the world are praying for Lynn and you and the whole family. God be with you all and thanks again for sharing this with us. xxx

  29. What an amazing video. Thank you for sharing it with us. Praying for Lynn. Holding your whole family in my heart. Again.

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