Communication is far more than words. It is intent. The more clarity you have in the purpose and intent of your communication, the more apt you are to communicate clearly. Your intent and sincerity (or lack thereof) will be broadcast whether you speak or not. Having said that, let's look at verbal communication.

Ears are not garbage cans. Not yours. Not another's. Researchers have given various estimates of the number of thoughts running through a human brain on a daily basis, but in every case, the number is high, very high. So if we have these great active brains, why don't we create a better world? Well, the research also shows that most of those thoughts are "negative," and that most of them are repetitive. In other words, people don't have 90,000 original thoughts a day. It's more like they have 90 thoughts 1,000 times over. And most of them are negative. What's a mortal to do?

The first thing to do is examine your communication with yourself. Speaking out loud adds manifestation power to thoughts. Writing also helps to solidify your thoughts.

What words are you speaking? What are you writing? Remember, you hear every word you say. You see every word you write. Begin to understand that your personal communication style is made up of a series of choices. Usually these choices are unconscious. By examining your communication, you move into a place of self empowerment where you can begin to choose your words and thoughts more consciously.

Thoughts and words work together to create each other. Unfortunately, until we make a conscious effort to change, most of our thoughts and words are habitual. Chattering is a habit. Whining is a habit. Being a witty conversationalist is a habit. Speaking garbage is a habit. Habits can be changed. In fact, one of the ways to break the habit of disaster thinking is by speaking what you do want. Thoughts and words create each other. Change one, the other begins to change.

Many people chatter because they feel overwhelmed with the volume of mental chatter going on internally. Their words become a sort of downloading, a way to relieve some of the pressure of incessant inner prattle. Ironically, one of the most effective ways to silence this inner babble is to shut up. Many wise and holy teachers through the ages have recommended silence as an aid in personal growth. Perhaps you might like to experiment with this. Try going 6 hours without speaking AND without listening to a human voice. No radio, TV, stereo, telephone. Just you and silence for 6 hours. You may be amazed by what you discover.

After such times of silence, you become more aware that you have a choice about the words and energy you broadcast and receive. You also have a responsibility. Words create. Words destroy. If you want to make the world a better place, feed it and yourself, words that nourish and build.

The ancient texts have much to say about words and communication. Here are just a few excerpts from the book of Proverbs:

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."

"A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul."

"From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied."

"He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity."

"When words are many, error is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise."

"The lips of a good person nourish many, but fools die for lack of discernment."

"A man who lacks judgement derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue."

"From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him."

"An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up."

"He who guards his lips guards his soul, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin."

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

"The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly."

"The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit."

"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."

"A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction."

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

"A man of knowledge uses words with restraint."

"Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue."

"A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much."

"Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of wisdom."

"Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself."

"Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down."

"A woman of noble character speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

You are a broadcasting tower. Visually, verbally and energetically, you give off signals to yourself and to everyone and everything around you. Those signals come from your core beliefs about yourself and life. Jesus taught that "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." He also said, "By your words you are justified, and by your words you are condemned." In modern vernacular, "Garbage In, Garbage Out." If you don't like the signals you've been giving off, if you are unhappy with the fruits of the seeds you've been planting, begin to fill your heart with good things. ("Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.") Consciously choose to be silent for a while. Then take in words, pictures and ideas which are noble. You will find this makes you a happier person. Later, when you do speak, make a choice to use words that build up those who are listening, including yourself.

Communication involves taking in and giving out. It is as natural as breathing. Make a commitment to yourself to improve both the quality of what you take in and of what you're broadcasting. Change the words you tell yourself. Then practice being loving and respectful with others, all others, all life forms.

Changing old habits of communication takes effort, but the payoffs are transformational. Don't take my word for it. Discover for yourself how small efforts can create big changes in your life.

"No effort in this world is lost or wasted; a fragment of sacred duty saves you from great fear." Krishna

el2002