I’ve noticed how many times in how many places so many people use language that is destructive. “I won the battle” in relation to weight loss. “We are on a path to win the war” … against poverty, or homelessness or breast cancer. Let’s “fight the fight” to triumph over our inadequacies.
Language is generative! Use of “battle”, “war”, “fight” is creating just that. One of my intentions for 2012 is to pay closer attention to my language, notice what it is generating and eliminate the words and phrases that are generating destruction and negativity.
Who is interested in joining me to generate more peace in the world? Post a response to share your intentions.
This image and the accompanying question speaks of peace to me. What awaits you on the other side [of “non war metaphors”]?
Language is generative! Use of “battle”, “war”, “fight” is creating just that. One of my intentions for 2012 is to pay closer attention to my language, notice what it is generating and eliminate the words and phrases that are generating destruction and negativity.
Who is interested in joining me to generate more peace in the world? Post a response to share your intentions.
1 comment:
This is so true. You can also add the words "Always" and "Never". Even though they are not related to war and battle, they sure can create one in the wrong context. For example, the statement "you always do that" when it is referring to a negative behavior, can create a tense argument in no time.
I first became aware of the danger of these two words, when getting prepared for a legal deposition. What I was strongly cautioned in using these words, because it takes one incident or moment in the contrary of what was stated to prove it wrong.
So being mindful of what we say and in what context we use it has to be a full-time job.
Thanks for posting this!
Since developing this un
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