Sticks and Stones
The phrase, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is first recorded “in 1972 where it is presented as advice in Tappy’s Chicks: and Other Links Between Nature and Human Nature, by Mrs. George Cupples(Wikipedia)
We live in a time which allows people all over the world to hurl words at each across long distance. In just seconds it is possible for words to travel thousands of miles. Words used to travel at a much slower pace. Whether or not words hurt us may depend on the power or authority we have given the ones hurtling words. Often parents, teachers, clergy, a partner, lover, or a boss may be able to imbue their words with tiny daggers which slice through our heart strings. It may be that one already has a history with a particular word or a particular authority figure in which case the extent of the damage may be severe. One may “know” that the word itself or the coating of the lie with dripping sarcasm, disdainful pity or other nuances of speech can be a trigger to switch on lies one has formerly internalized but feel powerless to stop the damage.
Many of us humans believe that one word or phrase can tell the world all they need to know about ourselves another human being, a marriage or a family.
Some very wise and educated souls are keenly aware that a word which masquerades as a seal box tells us very little about that the history of a person. Seldom does one know what experiences has instilled such fear of the other in the person who speaks in boxes. I joined my wise and educated friends Rich and Meta at their home for Easter dinner Something moved Rich to share that he believes he does not have the insight or knowledge to judge the opinion of anyone. He acknowledged that even among those present for dinner were a variety of political, religious and moral opinions. All are welcome and loved. In my experience few of us are as accepting and wise as Meta and Rich. I have never known either of them to use words as judgmental boxes or to refuse to share their table and their home with someone whose experiences led them to form opinions which are different than theirs.
For me, as I recently wrote, Easter is a time to celebrate new birth as each of us struggle to choreograph and dance this life journey. We would do well to be as circumspect as Rich and Meta in choosing words which can float and, as they land, gently nurture or lovingly challenge, but never hurt.
Written April 22, 2019
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
The phrase, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is first recorded “in 1972 where it is presented as advice in Tappy’s Chicks: and Other Links Between Nature and Human Nature, by Mrs. George Cupples(Wikipedia)
We live in a time which allows people all over the world to hurl words at each across long distance. In just seconds it is possible for words to travel thousands of miles. Words used to travel at a much slower pace. Whether or not words hurt us may depend on the power or authority we have given the ones hurtling words. Often parents, teachers, clergy, a partner, lover, or a boss may be able to imbue their words with tiny daggers which slice through our heart strings. It may be that one already has a history with a particular word or a particular authority figure in which case the extent of the damage may be severe. One may “know” that the word itself or the coating of the lie with dripping sarcasm, disdainful pity or other nuances of speech can be a trigger to switch on lies one has formerly internalized but feel powerless to stop the damage.
Many of us humans believe that one word or phrase can tell the world all they need to know about ourselves another human being, a marriage or a family.
Some very wise and educated souls are keenly aware that a word which masquerades as a seal box tells us very little about that the history of a person. Seldom does one know what experiences has instilled such fear of the other in the person who speaks in boxes. I joined my wise and educated friends Rich and Meta at their home for Easter dinner Something moved Rich to share that he believes he does not have the insight or knowledge to judge the opinion of anyone. He acknowledged that even among those present for dinner were a variety of political, religious and moral opinions. All are welcome and loved. In my experience few of us are as accepting and wise as Meta and Rich. I have never known either of them to use words as judgmental boxes or to refuse to share their table and their home with someone whose experiences led them to form opinions which are different than theirs.
For me, as I recently wrote, Easter is a time to celebrate new birth as each of us struggle to choreograph and dance this life journey. We would do well to be as circumspect as Rich and Meta in choosing words which can float and, as they land, gently nurture or lovingly challenge, but never hurt.
Written April 22, 2019
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
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