Scalpel!

And other ways to create space.

Relationships are made and broken through words.

I have regretted what's come out of my mouth many times. Once when I was 20-something, I commented to my friend that her new baby looked like a Cabbage Patch doll. My intent was not to call the baby ugly, but I know I did from my friend's reaction.

We're not friends anymore.

For the record, I think all babies are beautiful, even when their heads look like ellipses.

Learning from the many dumb things I've said, I prefer the written word to the spoken one.

When I write, there is a pause. I create space between the thought, the paper (or computer), and the transmittal to the other person.

By writing, the brain has more processing time. The thought has a chance to ripen before it makes it into the world.

If I rush writing, my words can land wrong, too. I have seen this when my texts or emails get misinterpreted. I've learned that precision is essential in choosing words.

And to never use the CAPS LOCK button.

In an earlier post, I wrote about how we create spells with our words. "Abracadabra" comes from the Aramaic meaning "I will create as I speak." (In case you missed it, you can read it here.)

Since words are expressed thoughts, I'd like to make a case for better care of what we're creating.

Yes, let’s think about thinking. Another term for this is meta-cognition.

"Thinking about thinking is the most important kind of thinking," from the book Snow Leopard-Category Pirates.

Well? What ARE you thinking?

In yoga, we observe what we’re thinking through meditation.

I know, I know! You're muttering, "Oh no, here she goes again!"

I wouldn't say it if I didn't believe it. Meditation is that powerful.

I want this gift for you.

It’s the only way I know to let go of disempowering beliefs. I figured this out for myself by sitting still and listening.

With every thought, you have a chance to pause and hold it up to the light. By doing so, you create a space between you and the thought.

Ask yourself:

Is it true?

Have I always thought this?

Does this thought help me or hurt me?

Is this part of a more significant pattern or belief?

Dissecting our thoughts helps us to understand ourselves better.

In this way, we can see that we are the thinker of the thoughts, not the thoughts themselves. THIS IS EVERYTHING!

When your thoughts are faulty, know that you are not faulty. But what you create will be off until you fix your thinking.

We are responsible for what we say and write. Now, what can you do to create something beautiful?

Think about it (or read this ten more times.)