You make your way to the reception desk and a friendly innkeeper says, "Welcome Traveler. Do you require a blanket or a sword?"
Communication is one of the critical areas in our lives that can be a saving grace or a bullet train to disaster. Regardless of which end of the conversation you were on, I'm willing to guess we've all had at least one that blew up and that we've regretted later. What a difference it would have made if we had only communicated with our eyes and ears wide open!
It seems like there's an ebb and flow of people I know going through various illnesses or deaths of loved ones. They speak of the difficulty of knowing what to say, or even if to say some things, and that sometimes they feel frozen and unable to talk at all. Many feel like they are drowning, and search for any kind of buoyancy in the sea of grief.
I think about the times I may have hesitated asking questions during those conversations - have you experienced that, too? The thing is, difficult conversations often become more difficult when you muddle around with questions or thoughts. It is important to be clear, honest, and direct, with a swag of politeness
My grandmother's lullabies (is it still a lullaby if it's morning, though?) to her flowers were more than just idle sounds. Rather, they were an expression of her caring. Remembering her singing made me think about how music in general, and singing specifically, is an essential part of caregiving for humans, as well as houseplants.
Do you ever stop to reflect on the effect you have on other people's lives? You can be the reason someone smiles, including yourself, but you can cause a negative reaction as well. Good, bad, or indifferent, the energy we put out influences the energy we receive. Isn't it better, then, to choose positive, peaceful responses whenever we can?
Speak your feelings when situations occur rather than letting them rise like yeast in bread! The other person may not even notice what is happening with you - not intending to cause you any harm or anger - so, speaking up can quickly clear the air. If you're hurt, say it. Don't let it fester. Something else will happen, and then suddenly, there will be an emotional explosion!
Letter-writing is often considered a lost art, but it shouldn't be. Texting is great for immediate information or a quick thought. Email is fantastic for exchanging timely thoughts. Letters, handwritten or typed, sealed into envelopes, and sent by mail are textual portraits, freeze-frames of specific moments in time that capture thoughts, feelings, hopes, and dreams and put them all down on paper.
Communication, the language that we choose, and the energy our bodies emit, is essential in what we speak, what we hear, and what our posture implies. A harsh reaction may be coming from someone's pain or fear, and your response to it can be a powerful hit or a supportive landing place.
What if I challenged you to try something new today? Disrupt the cycle. Pay extra attention to the tiny details: the flowers popping up seemingly out of nowhere, a smile on a child's face, the older man giving his wife a smooch. Noticing those simple moments can slow your racing heart and mind by creating a positive shift.