So I go back to first principles. And I inquire as deep as I can into the fundamentals of what it is that I'm trying to grapple with. And, in this case, I simply - the question where I begin is to just ground myself in the inquiry of what is the function of language? Because we happen to be using a word in the English language, the word love. And I asked what is the function, what is the purpose of language?
And when I think about that inquiry, what comes back is that language, its function, is to enable us to communicate towards a shared understanding. And it's there to connect us by creating a sense of shared meaning and shared experience.
And, to do that, it is there to help us make meaning. And make meaning by mapping the terrain of ideas and all that we can
source with our senses. And language is there to enable us to develop specifically shared agreements, and shared appreciation, which is so important if we are ever to collaborate and build something together. And language is there to inspire possibilities and options.
And, finally, I'd say language conveys energy potential, and it does so by transferring presences and essences. And this is an important distinction, because what I’m trying in this last awareness about language to convey is the realization that these are not words on the page, not just words in the dictionary, they are energy capsules, they contain energy potential.
I truly believe that when we use language properly, then the word becomes a portal of entry into a domain of potential. But when the word has been commoditized and the distinction, and the specificity of intent, and the presence of the word has been emptied out - because it has been so overused, and has so many different meanings - my worry is that instead of the word becoming a portal of possibility, it becomes a wall that blocks possibility.
Jeff Vander Clute
He is a co-founder of Sourcing The Way, Enlightening Journeys and Expeditions, and The Consciousness of Money. Jeff is also a member of the Evolutionary Leaders Circle and he serves on the board of directors for Alliance for the Earth and Source of Synergy Foundation (previous chair).
Aviv Shahar
Aviv is the Founder of Aviv Consulting, helping leaders unleash strategic innovation, and is the author of Create New Futures: How Leaders Produce Breakthroughs and Transform the World Through Conversation.
