2nd January, 2026
The Power of Words
Lately I have been giving much thought to the power of words. As a writer, I struggle to find just the right combination of words to accurately articulate what it is I want to say. What emotion do I want to convey? What emotion do I want to evoke? I write and edit and rearrange until I have succeeded in getting across my message. But what about in conversation? How much time do I spend contemplating my words before they come spilling out of my mouth? Words are powerful. So, so powerful.
Words have the power to harm
Words have the power to heal.
Words can bring sorrow.
Words can bring joy.
Words can evoke laughter.
And words can provoke tears.
Words can shift perception.
Words can move the masses to action
Whether it be war or peace.
And there is one word that can bring light to the soul.
Love.
Yes, words are powerful.
In Buddhist teachings Right Speech is about being mindful about what we say. To be honest and ethical when we speak. To be thoughtful prior to speaking. Is what I am about to say kind? Is it useful? Is it even necessary?
Similarly, in the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali, one of the foundational texts of classical yoga, it is taught that speech should not harm. That one must be truthful but in a compassionate way. That one must use self-discipline. That one should be aware how their words will affect others.
In the study of etymology, one learns the origins and definition of words. But also, how words change over time. Am I certain of the meaning of the word I am about to use? When writing, this is when a dictionary comes into play. So often, I think I know what a word means and then I look it up only to discover I was mistaken. How easy is it then, for us to use our words incorrectly in speech? Do we communicate our thoughts clearly? Do we really understand the weight of our words?
Too many times, they come spewing out of my mouth before I have thought them through. Is that what I really meant to say? Too late. The words have already been fed into the universe and words are thoughts put into action.
Which leads me to another theory- that sound is creative.
Therefore,
If words are used to describe our perception of our reality, which I believe they are, then words can also shape our reality.
A powerful statement in itself.
Yes? No?
Food for thought.
Always enjoy reading your blog – thank you for posting. Food for thought ? ? ? ? Love it! Happy New Year to you and Jay!
As testimony to the power of your own inner light, I hope Jay passed along my innermost reflections of my own deep admiration for your magnificent biography of one of the greatest composers of our time. His name escapes me now. I think it was Jay something or other. But to give you a hint of how much I loved it, I’ve already read it twice. … so far… As always such a thrill and honor to be friends with great friends like you two, or should I say too?
❤️,
Wayne
Wayne – Thank you so much! Happy New Year!
Absolutely! Words are powerful, words are magical. They can create and they can distroy… yet most people are unaware, including myself of the magic of converting thoughts into sacred sounds that we perceive as words. We must remember this magical power at all times!
I love your quotes from the Buddhist and yogic traditions, so lovely! Thank you for starting me off in the new year focusing on one of my favorite topics and, sometimes, greatest pitfalls – words! Food for thought, indeed! Hugs to you and Happy New Year, dear friend!
As a retired psychotherapist, all I can say is THINK before you speak. Choose kindness, truth, positivity. You’re absolutely right Terri, words can heal, help and hurt. Also, ask yourself, am I telling someone something I shouldn’t about another? I am blown away sometimes by the things people tell me about others. Haven’t they ever heard of confidentiality? They think they are just communicating but they’re gossiping. When someone tells me something it is always confidential. ALWAYS! Ask yourself, would I want someone to be communicating this to someone else about me?
On another note, for everyone reading this, choose your words carefully and BE KIND with words towards yourself as well.
And an even happier one to you!
❤️,
Wayne
Well said! And might I also suggest that we not only be mindful of how we form perceptions with our words but be mindful of how we let others words influence us. It is not true because it is said, we make it true by believing it.