Estimated reading time: 5 min.

Dear reader, 

Welcome back to Guiding Words.

In the previous lesson, we learned that time was the neutral spectator of our lives, and its purpose was not to judge how well we spend it, but instead to remind us that it is limited, and we should spend each moment mindfully.  

However, unlike time, words are not neutral. Each word is imbued with meaning and designed to influence our behavior in a certain way. In a world of Marketing Science and Large Language Models, it is necessary for each of us to learn to create our own meaning and write our own Guiding Words.

On that subject, let’s hear some Words of Art on the importance of redefining words:

First, we need to realize that we have the power to redefine words. 

Second, we need to embrace that power.

Third, we need to use it.

It is crucial for our wellbeing to take the time to reflect and, if necessary, redefine the meaning of acquired words.

What does that mean? Here are a few examples:

-         What meaning does society give to the word work? 

Is it the same as that of a stay-at-home dad?  

-         What meaning does society give to the word marriage? 

Is it the same as that of a gay couple?

-         What meaning does society give to the word success? 

Is it the same as that of an immigrant janitor?

And the list goes on.

For the most part, we adopt, without questioning them, the meaning of the words that were taught to us. However, blindly adopting and internalizing them in such a way often becomes a great source of cognitive dissonance, especially when our personal and, most of the time, unconscious meanings are incompatible with that of society.

In those moments, we are forced to choose which meaning to live by, that of society or that of ourselves? But how can we choose ourselves if the meaning of the words we use is not ours? Hence, the importance, for everyone, to write their own dictionaries.

Words are everywhere. They are the bridges we use to connect with one another and negotiate the construct of our common world. We live among them both inside and outside our minds. They are the containers in which we package our ideas, our feelings, and our beliefs to spread them around in our attempt to influence the course of history.

A “Word” is defined as: a unit of language, consisting of one or more spoken sounds or their written representation, that functions as a principal carrier of meaning.

However, the obvious fact that we often seem to forget is that we are the meaning, and the words are only the carriers. Together, we create meaning and to carry those meanings, we create words.

An excerpt from a very witty article posted on the Oxford English Dictionary blog titled Words from the 21st century ends with these words: 

There was much to the decade – 2010s – that was butters (horrible, disgusting), but also a lot that was nang (good) if not totes (very, extremely) amazing. 

Every year there are old meanings and new words to carry them. But, too often, we become prisoners of words even when we do not agree with their meanings. The words we use to convey who we are to our own selves and to others are a projection of our identity and if we are not in sync with their meanings, we will be lying both to ourselves and to others.

These are my Guiding Words, the insights, and principles I’ve learned on my journey to Serenity and on my quest to let go of the suffering in my life. Because the details of the story that brought you here are different from mine, the words that can carry you forward might also be different and only by writing your own Guiding Words will you be able to take control of your personal narrative.

I believe without the shadow of a doubt that you will find what you’re looking for, whether in this life or the next, whether in this shape or another, for all rivers always find their way into the sea. And, in the words of one of the most beloved spiritual guides whose words have reached us: 

What you seek is seeking you. – Rūmī.

This concludes the last lesson in our Guiding Words series.

Question: Do you have any Guiding Words? I’d love to hear what your years on this tiny planet have taught you about the human condition!  

Reply with a yes or no and feel free to go beyond two or three characters.

The path to Serenity is a solitary path, but the journey does not have to be lonely. If you enjoyed reading these Guiding Words and want to be part of a community of likeminded people striving to achieve Serenity for the soul, fulfillment for the mind and happiness for the body, please click here to learn more.

Whether we cross paths or not, may Serenity always be upon you.  

P.S.: I am trying to find the right words to convey my thoughts in a language that is not mine, so please pardon my mistakes and feel free to reply with any suggestions and/or corrections that can make this reading experience more enjoyable.