The Vibration of Words

The meaning of our words can be highly contextualized.  

For instance, consider "pole".  Are we talking about something structural, such as a pole holding up a ceiling or tent?  Or perhaps something that is a tool, such as a ski pole to help us stay upright or a pole saw to help cut tree branches.

Words do matter, but more important is mindset.  When we let go of literal interpretation of the words people use and instead listen for their mindset, we can better hear them.  There is a vibration that flows out of us when we express ourselves.

This awareness helps us with the word "vulnerability", which has exploded in usage during my lifetime. 

It has two very different vibrational connotations.  For most of my life, I interpreted it as a state of weakness or susceptibility to attack.  Here is an example:

"Another problem with anxiety is that it makes us feel helpless, powerless, overwhelmed and paralyzed — all of which increase our feelings of vulnerability and make us less likely to take action."

I avoided vulnerable positions. 

And then Brene Brown redefined the word for me.  She helped me see it as a state of openness.  This connects us as human beings.  She says the first thing we look for in others is vulnerability, and yet the last thing we show others is our vulnerability.  Here is an example:

"What could happen if you open up, take a chance, let yourself be vulnerable?"

Because of Brene's work, I've cultivated this kind of vulnerability since 2012.  Today I cannot imaging living any other way.

The word still carries both connations today, and if you listen for the vibration you can tell how someone is using it. 

And if you want to be a stronger communicator, I encourage you to speak words with intentionality.  Make it easier on the listener.  But as a listener, it is more important to hear a person's vibration than their words.