Three millennia ago, King Solomon wrote in the Bible’s Book of Proverbs, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11, NIV) Put another way, the right word spoken at the right time is a work of art.
Words are powerful vehicles of suggestion. They can act as weapons of mass distraction that can plunge the recipient into emotional darkness—or they can be healing, elevating them out of the gloom.
Those suggestions can come to us externally or be self-generated internally. Our brains are wired to operate most efficiently and most healthily in a state of positivity. That’s the norm. Negativity, worry, and fear are abnormal to how our brains are created to function. But catching negative thoughts and external inputs and misdirecting them to positive thoughts and inputs takes intentionality, discipline, practice, and tenacity.
Science has discovered that our thoughts have an impact on our brains – negatively or positively. It’s called neuroplasticity. Each thought, each input, changes your brain’s physical make-up. Every thought your mind generates enters your brain and rewires it to some extent. That means you have a choice to make every moment of every day about who you will become the next moment.
Additionally, the words you speak to others have a physical impact on their brains as well.You’ve probably heard it said that a harsh word of criticism from someone whose opinion matters to you takes several kind words or compliments from that same person to offset the negative impact of the criticism. There’s some science behind that. A stress hormone called cortisol released in our brains when hurtful words are spoken to us takes longer to metabolize than does another hormone called oxytocin that helps us trust and bond with others.
So, choose your words carefully when speaking to others and to yourself. Words, although immaterial by nature, have a very real physical impact.
Rod Robison is a Tucson, Arizona based author, mentalist and magician who provides entertainment, inspirational speaking, and sales training for corporations and organizations. Learn more at www.TucsonMentalist.com
