A flippant remark or angry riposte are sometimes a catalyst for unbeckoned ramifications when one's words mean more than what is intended when spoken. Some words just have to be written or spoken when there is something to be said that perhaps ought to be learned and ruminated upon. And listening is a more unheralded artform that is as transformative as writing and speaking. Possibly even more so in some cases.
Totally agree. Unfortunately, really ‘listening’ appears to be an almost forgotten virtue nowadays. Too many just keep yapping their own refrain without even so much as paying attention to the other.
Speaking or writing, and listening and responding with sensitivity, is as much about feeling than thinking. To do both requires the eyes as well as the ears, and the mind and the heart, and then again each of these require synchronisation in order to synthesise an appropriate response in real time. Easier said than done in the heat of the moment when emotions sway ones best intentions and best judgement. Such a simple act then becomes a balancing act of such skill and artistry, that becomes artform when practiced over time. Mistakes are bound to happen, but aren't mistakes an opportunity for recalibrating the senses?
Of course, and making mistakes is (hopefully) leading to growth, as well as a better judgement. I know I’m just as guilty of flying off the handle at times when I shouldn’t have. But then live and learn
Live and learn, bud, blossom, grow and die; as with words, so with life and loves, in endless cycles of nature's unfolding, and our own becoming more of who we are meant to be; embracing life with both joy and grace, celebration and surrender, to the motion and emotion of time, past, present and future.
Yes, words matter as much as deeds, sometimes even more. We can heal from a broken bone, but cruel words can fester in the brain forever. I checked out the Youtube video - you are brave! The Hobbit is my favorite fantasy novel, too. ☺
I thought the very same this morning, what an amazing synchronicity.
Words spoken in haste, while annoyed or angry can be devastating to the other.
Never let the sun set on such words.
A flippant remark or angry riposte are sometimes a catalyst for unbeckoned ramifications when one's words mean more than what is intended when spoken. Some words just have to be written or spoken when there is something to be said that perhaps ought to be learned and ruminated upon. And listening is a more unheralded artform that is as transformative as writing and speaking. Possibly even more so in some cases.
Totally agree. Unfortunately, really ‘listening’ appears to be an almost forgotten virtue nowadays. Too many just keep yapping their own refrain without even so much as paying attention to the other.
Speaking or writing, and listening and responding with sensitivity, is as much about feeling than thinking. To do both requires the eyes as well as the ears, and the mind and the heart, and then again each of these require synchronisation in order to synthesise an appropriate response in real time. Easier said than done in the heat of the moment when emotions sway ones best intentions and best judgement. Such a simple act then becomes a balancing act of such skill and artistry, that becomes artform when practiced over time. Mistakes are bound to happen, but aren't mistakes an opportunity for recalibrating the senses?
Of course, and making mistakes is (hopefully) leading to growth, as well as a better judgement. I know I’m just as guilty of flying off the handle at times when I shouldn’t have. But then live and learn
Live and learn, bud, blossom, grow and die; as with words, so with life and loves, in endless cycles of nature's unfolding, and our own becoming more of who we are meant to be; embracing life with both joy and grace, celebration and surrender, to the motion and emotion of time, past, present and future.
Apologies, Elliot, I’m drifting in and out of Substack with sometimes disrupted internet service. But that’s beautifully said.
Exactly that! So well written and so very true!
Yes, words matter as much as deeds, sometimes even more. We can heal from a broken bone, but cruel words can fester in the brain forever. I checked out the Youtube video - you are brave! The Hobbit is my favorite fantasy novel, too. ☺