This is how important language is…
It goes hand-in-hand with the development of civilization.
In fact, we consider language as a key element OF civilization.
It’s that important.
But it goes even deeper.
There’s levels to how we can view and use language.
For example, writing is both documentation of our evolution of thinking AND a catalyst FOR our evolution of thinking (among other things).
Simple communication with language is one thing, yet much more is possible.
Some hints at this are…
The art and beauty we can evoke with written word (poetry, fiction, mythology, etc)
The use of language to start worldwide movements
How language can alter our consciousness (ever listen to a motivational speech?)
The way language can introduce us to new phenomena (like with the popularization of the term “vibes”)
There’s much more to language than just communicating an obvious message.
Ready to get your mind blown?
Here are six ideas that will forever change your relationship with language.
Idea #1: Words are bridges between the physical and metaphysical world.
Think about it…
Ideas and concepts are metaphysical.
Your body, and the world you see with your eyes, is physical (well, it at least appears to be physical).
What does language do? It takes an idea or concept and makes it something we can see (i.e. words on paper).
This is how words are a bridge, or even a portal, between the physical and metaphysical.
It also explains why all manifestation and goal-setting techniques involve “writing things down” or “speaking it into existence.” (hint, hint)
Idea #2: Words are spells.
We spell words, because words are spells (and we sentence ourselves to the terms we use).
To be clear, this doesn’t mean every word you say or write is some theatrical Harry Potter spell (“Wingardium leviosa!”). It’s (usually) much more subtle than that.
But subtle doesn’t make it any less powerful…
Every belief we have was programmed with language.
Politicians use language to create laws that change the behavior of millions of people.
Reading gives people visceral experiences, while changing their belief systems and the way they experience of the world.
Your self talk shapes the words you speak and actions you take.
Language can even control what colors we see! For example, “If you speak a language without a word for “blue” - you might not be able to see the difference between blue and green at all.” (Source: Big Think)
Mind-blowing, right?
There’s an interesting connection between our range of language and our range of perception.
Words are spells, so wield them wisely.
Idea #3: Language is a cipher. Consciousness is the key to decode it.
A cipher is an encoded message, where you typically need a “key” to decode (decipher) the meaning.
This is also a way to view language as a whole.
Language itself is a way to encode meaning, and that meaning is decoded via interacting with your consciousness.
Letters are just letters, until they’re “activated” with consciousness. This is what gives them meaning, power and life.
Here’s what the big picture looks like with this:
Consciousness (as a group of people) agrees on the general meaning of language (alphabet, definitions, etc).
Consciousness encodes meaning into language (via writing or speaking).
Consciousness decodes language into meaning (via reading or listening).
This is why the more “conscious” you become, the more meaning you’re able to unlock.
Idea #4: Writing is telepathy taking the scenic route.
Telepathy is direct mind-to-mind communication.
Writing is mind-to-words-to-mind communication.
That bridge of words can be viewed as an obstacle, or as “telepathy taking the scenic route.”
It gives us room to be artful and creative with communication.
Sometimes this scenic route of writing takes the form of poetry. Sometimes it takes the form of novels. Sometimes it takes the form of magazines. These are all beautiful, creative mediums to convey meaning from one mind to another.
Idea #5: Writing is crystallized thought.
Words are essentially a form of thoughts.
Writing can be viewed as taking a thought and crystallizing it onto a page.
The thought becomes frozen (in a good way), and you’re able to look at it from different angles, share it, analyze it, etc.
Here’s another way to view it. A word is an idea or concept coalesced into the form of language. Just like how a snowflake is water taking on a geometric, definite structure.
Idea #6: Writing is idea architecture.
You know what architecture is, right? (The art of designing and building structures.)
Well, writing can be viewed as the art of designing and building IDEAS.
Take the idea of a book, for example.
A book is based on an overarching idea
First, you outline the book (which is akin to a blueprint)
Then, you write the book (which is akin to the process of building)
With writing, you’re building a home for specific ideas to manifest in this reality.
Which One?
Which one of those six ideas was your favorite?
Did any surprise you or blow your mind?
Do you have any other interesting lenses for viewing language?
Let me know in the comments.
Much Love,
Stephen Parato
My New Book
Want to upgrade your relationship with language and information?
That’s what my new book Information Alchemy is all about.
Information Alchemy is based on seven principles to help you reclaim your attention and create meaningful work in the world.
It’s all about being intentional with your information consumption (treating it like a form of diet) and creating more space in your life for divine inspiration to flow.
Do any of these sound like you?
You're always reading and learning things to grow personally and/or spiritually
You want to spend less time scrolling social media
You feel distracted and overwhelmed a lot
You want to be more creative
You want to apply and embody knowledge (not just memorize and repeat things)
You have a deep sense of purpose and want to create things that matter
Those are all addressed (in detail) in Information Alchemy.
You can purchase it here: Information Alchemy
Much love,
Stephen Parato
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LOVE