Sticks and Stones

One of the most incorrect expressions, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” It taught us to pick up our shield to deflect harmful words by another and shake it off. Words we hear or speak may help or harm us, make us invincible or small, feel loved or rejected, and so on.

Then there's, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all.” Hmmm, not necessarily. We may be harboring something that's productive for you or both parties. Pause before you speak. Ask yourself is it necessary? Then, is it honest, kind and helpful? If so, go for it without any heated emotion. Hold your tongue until it is. Gossip never is and rarely fits those 3 gauges and is harmful to another, and yourself as you can't take it back. Have you ever felt uneasy after you were subject to storytelling? I have, and it's hurtful. It always circles back to the subject. I cringe for the victims.

Samskaras is Sanskrit for the philosophy of mental and psychological imprints that influence us throughout our life. They may form due to being a recipient or creator of thoughts, words, and actions or our experiences. We create and develop these formations and patterns that may be positive or negative. They are difficult to undo.

As far back as birth, ancestral memories passed on to us, and throughout life our character is formed. I recall positive things I was told like I was smart. Good grades were easy. I was fast and kids chose me for their teammate in sports. I believed I was good, and my teams mostly won. But I was picked on by others because I was an easy target. I was smaller. skinny, and sensitive. I became scrappy, defensive and insecure more than confident. It was an internal struggle because my nature was kind and softhearted. Pausing and processing is crucial. I easily apologize and make things right if I may have negatively impacted another or I am troubled.

I have learned to manage both types of samskaras by recognizing I am not invincible but have the power to protect and help myself, and others. I choose my words more kindly and am less reactive to triggers. I accept that I am an empath, therefore highly sensitive. My inner circle are only those that are kind.

Brief walk Friday evening and see this young buck along the fence line searching for safety. He found it in my peaceful garden an hour later!

Tend to your own "mind garden" and manage the weeds and crops. Thoughts, words and actions are whispers in the wind that others breathe. What goes in or out of your garden is up to you. You may say and hear less. But you will feel good in the heart, where the farmer lives and the garden flourishes.

Gardener for Love and Kindness,

Gina

Fusion Owner, Registered Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master Teacher, R.N.