The power of words... What is the role that language plays in your physical, mental, and spiritual health?

The last time I had my eyes tested, my opthamologist asked how my mother was doing, remarking that blindness is probably the most devastating disability. In thinking about that statement, I realize that even without the senses of sight or hearing, we can still have families and friends, get an education, and hold a job. But what if we were unable to learn a language? We'd have no social existence at all, which would be far more isolating and lonely.

Words are the building blocks for communities, businesses, and all social networks. There's no question that words have the power to persuade and to convey emotion. Positive words are therapeutic and can inspire, comfort, encourage, and bolster self-confidence. On the other hand, negative words are powerful weapons used to bully, cut down, heighten anxiety, and abuse. All of these types of words profoundly affect the mental and spiritual health of both the person doing the communicating and the recipient. I'm convinced that language can even affect our physical beings. I've learned over the years that lying causes a lot of stress and can definitely have negative health effects; whereas humor causes laughter and the release of endorphins-- a health benefit. I can't count the number of times that a genuine belly laugh has physically made me feel so much better!

Verbal or written communication and body language also greatly impact the way the communicator is perceived. Just ask any human resources director interviewing prospective employees. One of the highest compliments I was ever paid came from my daughters' high school principal, who told me during a conference that I came across as a very sincere person. In the long run, she didn't adopt the policy I was promoting, but at least she took the time to really listen to me. She knew that I was truly looking for the best solution and was behind my suggestion 100% of the way.

Last but certainly not least, language can be a highly creative and cathartic tool, allowing me to explore and express myself, as I'm doing in this blog. I can imagine a life without sight; I witness that every day. But I can't imagine a life without language.