#WRITESIS
"Words should be like crystals in the air" is a phrase I've treasured since childhood.
One of my infatuations with writing came from a particular experience with my older brother where I made a comment (that I can't remember, reflective of how foolish it could have been), and he annoyingly responded,
"Stop talking just to hear yourself talk."
Ironically now I make a living off the sound of my voice, but looking back, I now understand what he was trying to teach me. I can still remember how embarrassed I felt when he said that to me, because I knew what I had spoken out loud was out of pocket and certainly not thoughtful. At the time, my embarrassment took the form of anger and feeling like I had been dismissed and like I had a voice that didn't matter, even though the core of that was not true. Pen and paper in hand, to rebel against my older brother's unwanted wisdom, I began to write down things that came to my mind.
Now some can arguably say that my brother was limiting my self-expression by silencing me and dismissing my commentary, even if it was insignificant.
But his statement was so profound to me because I saw it like this:
Was I silenced or did he teach me the importance of holding space for silence and peace? Was he teaching me to treasure my thoughts and my words without even realizing it? Was he subconsciously teaching me how to be an active listener? He didn't tell me to stop talking and using my voice, he was telling me to channel my thoughts and use my voice purposefully. He could've been nicer about it, but I don't hold it against him.
Active listening is just as important as writing beloved, & here's why:
When you understand what is being said to you, you can respond based off of your reflection on what is being said. You are more likely to take more meaningful action after you've processed information you've been given. Each time you take a moment to activate knowledge and wisdom, you strengthen your intuition and decision making skills. The matrix has created a state of immediate gratification and anxiety that discourages authentic connection, so most people are just listening or acting to respond to what is being said to them. At some point, if you are really listening, you will have to pay attention to your attention and identify your purpose in engaging with whatever has your attention. We listen to what we want to believe in, what moves us. Listening to thoughts is what makes actions real.
I champion for creating safe spaces for open and honest communication. Fear and frustration during communication or reflection melt away when I diligently put effort and humility into listening to others and myself the way I diligently seek to insert my words. To be able to mindfully listen to what is happening in, around, and through you is a life saving skill. Stillness and silence are underestimated.
How does it feel when you say your name out loud to yourself? When you did it just now, did it feel powerful? Did you say it in a way that questioned your identity or did you say it in a way that affirmed your destiny? How does it feel to be present, to fully inhabit your body in space right now?
Write down your reflection with these affirmations:
I am safe.
I am enough.
I feel heard by my Creator.
I can attract conversations that elevate my mind.
I can create more meaning in my life by focusing on one thing at a time.
I love myself enough to carefully listen to what is being said to me.
The words that I speak to myself and to others are fruitful.
I know that I am only in control of my own thoughts, actions, and reactions.
Fruitful Feelings
I have flowers.
I am a gardener.
I am woman, with womb and roots; Eye am a nourisher, fruitful and one with the earth.
God excuse this moment of ingratitude;
Today I only wanted magnolias and roses and sunflowers and basil and tomatoes and calendula, and lily and lavender and sweet pepper kisses from him.
written by Autumn LaBella, 2020
No comments:
Post a Comment