Communication, Language, and Defining “The Path”
Communication and language have been crucial to our survival as a species; the ability to share knowledge on what plants are good to eat, how to get across a raging river, and when there is danger around have solidified our success in the natural world.
There are 4 commonly agreed upon forms of communication; Verbal, Nonverbal, written, and visual.
- Verbal communication uses language and the spoken word (phone calls, zoom, in person)
- Nonverbal communication uses body language, eye contact and proximity (zoom, FaceTime, in person)
- Written communication uses a physical medium to capture the words to then be read (books, texts, email)
Ok now we are all on the same page in the use of the words here.
Now more than ever in our recorded history do we have so many forms of communicating with each other; yet there appears to be a disconnect in the messages and the communication. We choose to communicate with those that reinforce our own values more often than those with opposing views or values. We trend to lesser forms forms of communication more often because it seems more convenient. I have become more aware of how easily the message we are trying to communicate can be misinterpreted when we use things like, Instagram messages, text messages, and emails.
With more people relying on digital communication due to the Pandemic the chances for the the message you are trying to convey to be misinterpreted has increased.
Communication is a 2 way street and I have noticed a shift as to the importance placed on the receivers interpretation more so than the senders intent. Ideally we address this on a societal level; before we do that we have to address it within ourself.
How do we address this?
You might be wondering how does this relate to defining “The Path” ?
Let’s go back to The Merriam-Webster Dictionary;
Path
- 1 : a trodden way
- 2 : a track specially constructed for a particular use
- 3 a : Course, Route
b : a way of life, conduct, or thought
-4 a : the continuous series of positions or configurations that can be assumed in any motion or process of change by a moving or varying system
I choose not to be victim, despite what the societal narrative is about Purple Heart Recipient “disabled” veterans. I choose to let my struggles and short comings propel me to become better; to learn from them, face them head on and as this Infantry is famous for “close with and destroy the enemy.”.
This takes time. Remember what I mentioned last week; We can understand the concept and it takes time and practice to master the technique.
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