Monday, September 13, 2021
I was recently watching the summer Olympics in Tokyo, and they were showing a women’s archery tournament. The camera panned in closely on the player’s faces, as they honed in on the target. Just as they released the bow, the intense focus was palpable – even through the TV screen! It was mesmerizing, and enlightening. Where else does such focus and steadiness apply in life? We rarely take heed of the adage, “Ready, aim, fire.” We live in a world that seems to get this backwards, swift to speak, swift to judge, and swift to act. In what context could we better “target” our words and actions? What kind of world would we live in, if we took the time to ready ourselves, to aim our words, and to “fire” precisely at the target – the target of helpfulness, necessity, and love?
Today, economize and conserve your words, focus their intention, and use just enough of them to effectively communicate your ideas. Eliminate waste. Be more concise, and be more precise. Are your words coming from a random assortment of compulsive thoughts that pop into the top of your head, or are they coming from the intention to be effective, kind, and loving? When you have an honest intention to your words, you become a much more effective communicator.
Adding a small compliment, or injecting slight humor into your “target practice” can soften even the most bristling edges of the words you use. Kinder words aim for the heart. Aim closer to the target of love by listening to your words, as you speak – they will be much more powerful and meaningful. Let the words you use today flow in respect, not in being condescending or impatient. Remember the power of words, they can be a dangerous weapon if they fire “at will.” Curtail them, slow them down, and aim them at the loving essence that the world needs today. You can communicate whatever you need to say. But let your objective also convey your words peacefully, respectfully, and lovingly, and you’ll hit the bullseye each time.