STEVE MONAHAN
POWER OF THE WORD
"Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury and remedying it." J. K. Rowling
This quote highlights the profound impact words can have, both positively and negatively. It emphasizes the power of language to create, heal, or harm, making it a potent form of magic in the real world, much like the magical world she created in the Harry Potter series.
My personal experience with the magic of words.
As I sit here writing this introduction to the WORD, reflecting on the transformative power of words, I am reminded of a profound truth: the solution to our greatest challenges lies within us, in the timeless wisdom of effective communication. For me, this journey began with a deep appreciation for the impact words can have on our lives. But it was a personal crisis that truly underscored the significance of the Word.
Four years ago, I was at my desk, reviewing the stories of the people I had selected to present their TEDx talks at my first TEDx production as the licensee and organizer. As I typed out a memo, a strange feeling came over me. I became confused, and hot energy flashes coursed through my brain. I got up, feeling dizzy, and stumbled into the kitchen to tell my wife. When I reached her, I opened my mouth to speak, but the words did not come out. Finally, I managed to say just one word: "hospital." Over the next three months, I suffered two more strokes. The first took away my ability to talk, leaving me speechless. The second stole sight from one eye, and the third affected my balance and ability to walk straight.
The Journey to Recovery
Three years later, I am mostly healed. Though I couldn't attend my event in person, I was able to record a message that was shared at the opening by my mentee, Darryl Stinson. My words, though simple, conveyed a profound truth: "You can lose most everything, but you can still retain the gift of life and see awe and wonder all around, even without all you had." This realization has stayed with me to this day. I learned that I could flourish even without sight or the ability to walk straight, but I could not flourish as a human without my ability to speak and communicate my beliefs and wisdom.
Vulnerability and Connection
In those dark moments, I felt the weight of silence. It was a silence that wasn't just about the absence of words; it was about the disconnection from the world around me. I realized that communication is not just a tool; it is the foundation upon which all human connection is built. Without it, I felt lost and isolated, unable to share my thoughts, my fears, or my hopes with others.
As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the importance of vulnerability. It takes courage to share our true selves with others, but it is in these moments of vulnerability that we find true connection. I remember the fear of not being able to speak, the desperation to express myself, and the relief when words finally returned. It was a journey that taught me the value of every word, every conversation, and every connection.
The Ancient Greek Legacy
In ancient Greece, oratory and rhetoric were not just arts; they were the very fabric of democracy. Citizens engaged in public debates, shaping laws and governance through persuasive speech. This tradition of open dialogue fostered a culture of civic engagement and participation, where every voice mattered. The great orators of Greece, such as Demosthenes and Pericles, used their words to unite and inspire their communities, demonstrating that effective communication can bridge even the widest of divides.
The Challenges of Modern Communication
Today, we face a paradox. While technology allows us to reach more people than ever before, it often does so at the cost of depth and intimacy. The brevity and superficiality of digital communication can lead to misunderstandings and polarization, as seen in the divisive rhetoric that dominates modern politics.
A Renaissance of Ancient Wisdom
To address the deep divisions of our time, we must learn from the wisdom of Yoga, especiall Q yoga which is the fusion of the eastern science of Yoga and western science of quantum physics.
The Solution: Reviving the Power of the Word
In the beginning, there was the Word, and today, the Word remains our greatest hope for salvation. By rediscovering the power of effective communication, we can transform our world. This is not about relying on AI, money, or resources; it is about harnessing the most fundamental human skill: the ability to communicate and connect with one another.
Steven Monahan, Creater Q yoga