The Meaning of Words

We have so many sources to give us meanings of words. 

We have given labels to objects, places, people, feelings and so much more.  We have gained consensus on their meaning in order to be able to communicate more effectively. 

For example, we have labelled and we call a long cylindrical solid core coming out of the ground with extensions that have different shaped, often green thin, patterns coming from its extensions, a tree.  We were taught to call it that and the consensus is that’s a tree.  This has helped us to communicate. Other words are not concretely based on a material object.

Yet, no matter what the word, there are always different interpretations of it.  Even a tree. When someone envisions a tree, they may relate it to a willow or a maple tree.  Others may see it as a pine tree.  What you relate to as a tree is dependent on your upbringing, where you live and lived, the languages you’ve been exposed to, your experiences, your beliefs.  And everyone’s image will be different as it is with any other word.    

 So, while words were created to help us communicate, in some ways it also has complicated our communication and sadly without curiosity and exploration, can create miscommunication.

One of the most helpful phrases to have available in a conversation is “what does that word mean to you?”

No one will interpret words exactly as you do.  Remember that.

Have fun with this.  Be playful.  Ask others what they mean by certain words they use.  Feel into what words you use that don’t make you feel good. 

 Bring curiosity into your communication with others.  This will help you to listen as well and connect more deeply with others.