The Word

Language is a creative force; it's powerful. As a literature teacher, I've told many students about the importance of precise language, because language can change things; words create worlds, as the Biblical Genesis story tells us.

The author of The Four Agreements, a wise little book on Toltec wisdom, writes that we must be impeccable with our word, meaning that we should be careful what we say and how we say it. Similarly, I read several years ago an article in Yoga Journal about "right speech." This author suggested three questions be asked before any utterance: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? What a powerful change we could make in our relationships with others if we thoughtfully answered these questions to ourselves before we spoke, if we made an effort to "be impeccable with our word."

In the realm of yoga, we recognize this duty as satya, which means truthfulness and is one of the yamas (restraints). Indeed, we can understand the amount of restraint necessary to utter only that which is true, and even more restraint is demanded if we are to speak only from the heart. I think the final question is particularly important since speaking too much drains untold amounts of energy, as if we are setting too much creative force in motion without having enough "hands" to direct and shape it.

In addition to speaking the truth, we must also speak our truth, since failing to do so will block our lives from their fullest potential; many say that failing to speak one's truth shuts now the throat chakra, and I know that holding in what I need to say makes my throat feel tight, constricted, even painful. I am convinced this is why I contracted strep throat every winter for years of my life.

Still, right speech is a challenge. Personally, I am much less challenged by speaking the truth than I am by speaking my own truth, as I can often be quiet and reserved. My name itself is a reminder to me, not only to speak honestly but to be true to my highest self in word and deed.

Words are powerful tools for shaping our world. Think about what it is you want to create, and choose your words wisely.