What our words say and what the mind listens to

Words are a window into the mind. They reflect what goes on inside. They decide what happens around us because they have a profound effect on people, relationships and events.

A man of few words is the safest person on earth, while a man of many words will find himself in an uncomfortable situation sooner or later. Someone with a wrong choice of words is a sure recipe for trouble. But a person with appropriate vocabulary and the wisdom to use it, is the master.

Then there are those who have a way with words. These people are interesting. They leave us with rib-tickling memories. Had my ancestral place been near Mumbai rather than a quaint village in Khanna; many of my relatives would have been successful dialogue writers for films! Once, guests were coming to our house, and my cousin had to go and pick them up from the railway station. Being a fresh entrant to college, he was lavish with the preparations. After changing into his best clothes, he was still in front of the mirror, trying out different styles when my uncle quietly came up from behind and said, “Ab chonki pe baithega kya?(Are you ready to sit on the ceremonial altar now?)” These words, delivered in a monotone, were enough to send him packing to the station.

We’re always telling others to listen to us but it would be a good idea to try to listen to ourselves and analyse our words. We would surprise ourselves.

We try hard to know what others are thinking or would think in a situation. Our life is governed by this thinking. We go on about our lives trying to sort this makebelieve fancy, and all this while our thought process, gets focused on the outside, paying little attention to what’s going on inside our mind.

So the mind is on its own, inadvertently picking up what comes its way. So without knowing it, we are treading the pathways that may not be our real choices and saying things we never meant to say. Suddenly, we find ourselves in unwanted situations and their aftermath. This takes us away from our inner truth.

Forget realisation, we remain unaware of our true being. Even if inner truth is not everyone’s quest, outer peace is also at risk of being shattered. What a waste of the talent and assets bestowed upon us by God! He wanted us to use the mind and insights to solve the big puzzle of our existence. That may be a tall order for most of us but a peaceful and pleasant existence is desirable.

An attentive mind and good use of words can go a long way in ensuring that. If you can give a humorous ‘tadka’ (seasoning) here and there, it’s icing on the cake. We Punjabis are known for our humour. Take for instance our truck drivers, who drive the message home through witty one-liners painted on their vehicles.

So take a break from the predictable and adventure into something exciting, unravelling your own mind. What if the big puzzle is just your mind full of desires that you have to overpower? Could it be so simple? Now, that is some food for thought indeed!

WE’RE ALWAYS TELLING OTHERS TO LISTEN TO US BUT IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO LISTEN TO OURSELVES AND ANALYSE OUR WORDS