Of Words, Language, and Being

I have had, for some while now, the words of Gandhi, at the head of my blog. His statement “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” shapes my intentions for my life. And he accomplished this, not only with his actions, but primarily with his words. His words have shaped change in lives and nations from his first utterances to this very day. I attempt to see his message through the interpretive perspective of my own Spirit … and share the resulting thoughts with you, here.

Words, when hitched together by the bonds of my Intention, Inclination, Imagination, and Inspiration … become the Language of my Self. I demonstrate what lies deep within my Being. I display, for my immediate audience, an unfolding image of what I desire to be known as, and how I wish to be perceived. Even within the gaps, the pauses, and some rare, staunch declarations … I reveal my uncertainties, while testing my prevailing suppositions.

The colours and brush-strokes applied to this canvas (my Self), are all created with the tone and particulars of the language that I employ. And the entirety of the work is showcased within a framework of my spirit. Whatever my portrait, however I am introduced, is understood and interpreted by the hearts, minds, and Spirits of Listeners, Readers, and Observers, within the definitions of my Spiritual Frame. This is the “Be”ing that Gandhi is referring to. He is telling me that if I want to change the tone, spirit, and context of my minute part of the World, then I must “Be” the embodiment of whatever kindness, respect, generosity, grace, gentleness, and Yes! even niceness, that I would desire to affect upon my World.

Intellectual content, technical detail, theological persuasion, academic insight, humorous perspective, romantic sensitivities, political convictions, and even neighbourly consideration operate within this framework of our demonstrated Character.

I can be enlightened by grand profundities delivered by an angry man, yet be more impressed and affected by his unfortunate choice of Character, than by the weight of the monumental message that he speaks. I can be profoundly stirred by the gentle Grace of a humble person sharing the most rudimentary of thoughts or comforted by a sweet, caring Soul who has nothing more to offer than, “I am so sorry!” All of the philosophical, religious, and even physical Truths, delivered by an unsympathetic voice leave me with neither relief nor solace. The “right” words or answers, spoken by an unkind Spirit, are easily discarded in favour of “no answers at all” offered by the One who is willing to be open to the vulnerabilities innate to being Nice. That person is brave, courageous, and infinitely more effective in their ministrations.

So, my friend, I offer this, my little blog, not as a source of answers, revelations, pontifications, or enlightenment. But simply as a spot where folks can say an occasional “Ahhh … that’s nice” or “Whew! I needed this little break!” A respite from whatever is pulling and tugging at their Spirit. A place to not have to think too much … to just be still and smile for a moment. A tiny harbour that offers some relief from the buffeting of life’s daily demands. And this I try to do with some thoughts that seem to me to be good. Some images that spark nice feelings and emotions to bring a smile, a sigh, or a tiny chiming within your Being. I offer whatever I have stumbled upon in the hope that I can lessen someone else’s “stumblings.” In this way, I am consciously Being “Nice,” because (in keeping with what Gandhi said) Nice is the change that I would see in the world. The very idea of a Nice World makes me feel good!

I hope that my relaying this brings us closer and makes our fleeting moments more comfortable and enjoyable … and your journey easier and more fun.

Namaste



Edited by N. Suzanne