i get frustrated sometimes. i’ll use a word like ‘lazy’ and i’ll have people tell me i shouldn’t judge myself. what if i’m not? what if lazy is a way of describing my recent behaviour and that word is useful in some way? i do think about whether there is a different way of saying the same thing. like, ‘i’ve been fatigued lately’ or, i notice myself doing less than i think i “should” — i’m noticing that i think i “should” but maybe it’s possible to be kinder to myself.
language is POWERFUL. we don’t own language. i don’t, you don’t. the speaker does not own their words, in the sense that they have control over the meaning and interpretation of those words.
so, i am practicing acceptance of others’ interpretations. i am witnessing them reflect for me ways i am judging myself and denying that i am doing so. i am witnessing them try to undercut my message by pointing out my own contradictions. i am witnessing them awaken to the ways they judge themselves. and then judge themselves for judging themselves.
can witnessing also involve the witnessing of language? witness the way you use language. witness others’ use of language. become aware of how we use it differently, and become aware of how many many many meanings exist in the same words, all at the same time.
then, words become less like swords and more like mirrors. even the mirrors are distorted and reflect multiple things at once. this can be confusing, frustrating even. how can this be okay?
can you be okay with someone else’s words? can you live with your words being imperfect? with words not being the same as the reality they attempt to describe? we are all lost in translation
it’s wonderful! we are nomads in language. this leaves room for wandering and discovering. let words breathe.
think about how this is like practicing yoga on the mat. is it clear? i hope not.
yes. cool. me like. you’re great! favorite part was “we are all lost in translation.” and “i am practicing accepting others translations”