In a speech made to the Royal College of Surgeons in 1923, English novelist Rudyard Kipling claimed that words are, in fact, “the most powerful drug used by mankind”.
The power of words is often underestimated, but it is undeniable that they have the ability to shift our reality in profound ways. Words are more than just sounds or symbols on a page. They convey meaning, express emotion, communicate ideas, shape our thoughts and beliefs, and influence the way we interact with the world around us.
Our words can, at their best, inspire, spark joy, motivate, and bring people together. But at their worst, they hold the power to harm, discourage, end relationships, and even start wars.
“Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it.” – Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Quantum Languaging
How often are you truly intentional with the words you speak?
According to neuroscience and quantum physics, our subconscious mind is responsible for 95% of our experience of reality. Since language is one of the most effective ways to program the subconscious mind, we have the opportunity to become deliberate co-creators of how we experience life.
The further quantum physicists peers into the nature of reality, the more evidence they are finding that at the most fundamental levels, everything is energy.
“Everything is energy and that’s all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want and you cannot help but get that reality. It can be no other way”. – Albert Einstein
Our words themselves are encoded with energy. Every word we speak, write, and think vibrates with unique frequencies that affect us on all levels, whether we are aware of it or not. At the most basic level, positive words have a higher frequency, while more negative words operate at a lower frequency.
Dani Kratz, author, journalist, and transformational coach, has coined this concept ‘quantum languaging’, also known as quantum linguistics. In her book, Word Up: Little Languaging Hacks for Big Change, she explores the ways we can deconstruct and upgrade our language as a tool to shape our human experience.
According to Kratz, all language is encoded with metadata that affects our psychological, emotional and energetic bodies. By recognizing the unconscious habits programming our reality with scarcity, limitation and suffering, we can redirect our experience. We can choose to utilize language as an intelligent energy source, directing it towards our highest dreams, goals and visions.
By shifting your language, you can:
- Speak Your Dreams Into Existence: The law of attraction teaches us that the universe is always listening to your hopes and dreams. By infusing awareness and intention into your words, you can speak your dreams into existence and manifest the life you desire.
- Increase Your Confidence: If you constantly tell yourself that you are not good enough or that you will never succeed, it is likely that you will begin to believe it and act accordingly. On the other hand, if you speak to yourself with positivity and encouragement, it is more likely that you will feel motivated and confident.
- Improve Your Relationships: By clearly expressing your needs and desires to others, you can form more supportive relationships. Similarly, using words to set clear boundaries and communicate effectively can help you create healthy and fulfilling connections, and reduce conflict in your life.
- Inspire Others: By sharing your personal story, goals, and aspirations with others, you can inspire and motivate them to speak their truth and pursue their own dreams.
Choose Your Words Wisely
It is essential that you choose your words wisely, as your language must energetically match the life you desire in order to consciously create it.
To apply quantum languaging to your own life, start following these simple steps:
As with any shifts in consciousness, awareness is the first step towards positive change. You need to create an awareness around your habitual language patterns, identifying the words you use that do not support you in positively programming your subconscious mind.
While certain words are unmistakably negative, others may contain detrimental energetic codes that aren’t as obvious, and therefore unknowingly sabotaging your life.
Once you have become aware of your language patterns – noticing which words empower you and which disempower you – you can start to replace and rethink the language that no longer serves you.
When you direct your energy towards something, you attract more of it into your life. If your thoughts or beliefs are negative, your words will reflect this energy, leading you to manifest the very things you want to avoid.
So rather than giving your attention to the things you don’t want, focus on what you do want. For example, if you find yourself thinking “I don’t want to work a 9 to 5 job”, replace that thought with what you desire – “I want a flexible schedule where I can choose my own hours”.
Our words are key for ushering us into a new paradigm – one of empowerment, intention, and evolution. When you use constrictive words like “should”, “must”, “need”, “can’t” or “have to”, you give away your power. They suggest that you are at the mercy of certain obligations. Instead, embrace your priorities and your ability to choose.
Upgrade to phrases that change your message to one of empowered choice, such as:
- I choose
- I get to
- I would love to
- I am not going to / I am not available for / I am choosing not to
For example, rather than saying “I can’t go out tonight; I’m too busy”, you may decide to say, “Thank you for the invitation. Right now, self-care is one of my main priorities, so I’m choosing to stay home and rest.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines the word ‘should’ as: “Used to indicate obligation, duty, or correctness, typically when criticizing someone’s actions.”
When we ‘should’ ourselves or others, we are implicitly criticizing, and using this word often results in feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, frustration, guilt, regret, and self-rejection.
In the long-term, when we tell ourselves or other people that we should or they should be doing something (as well-meaning as we might be), we're reinforcing the negative, and the fact that we or they aren’t doing it. When directed at someone else, it also carries the message of “I know more than you/I have authority over you”.
Furthermore, ‘should’ carries expectations. Many of us live our lives according to someone else’s idea of what our life should look like, instead of tuning in to what we authentically want to express, be and do. Any time we come from the frequency of should, we are relying on something or someone outside of ourselves to tell us how to live our lives.
Replace the word ‘should’ with words and phrases that highlight choice, benefits, and values, such as:
- You could…
- It is important to me that…
- I find value in doing…
- It would be meaningful/beneficial for me to…
- It will bring me joy to…
When we say positive, empowering things to ourselves or to others, even if we don’t fully believe them at first, our subconscious interprets them as true. We begin positively impacting our life and the lives of those around us almost immediately.
Avoid unkind words or self-deprecating humor. If you find yourself engaging in negative self-talk or putting yourself or others down, use it as an opportunity to reframe. Shift your language to emphasize words that are uplifting and supportive.
For example, rather than saying “I’m such a failure”, reframe to “I’m proud of myself for giving it my all. What can I learn from this and how can I improve next time?”
The power behind what you say is palpable, so be careful with ambiguous language. Avoid phrases like ‘I’ll try to’. It leaves room for interpretation and absolves you of any responsibility for the outcome.
Notice the difference between: “I’ll try to workout more” and “I’m committed to working out 5 days a week.” By fully committing to a decision, you’ll feel more inspired to accomplish it.
“Do, or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Another way in which words can be used to shift our reality is through the power of affirmations. Affirmations are positive statements that we repeat to ourselves, and they can be used to counteract negative thoughts, beliefs and programming by bringing the power of ‘now’ into the words we use.
By regularly repeating positive affirmations, we can reprogram our brains, supporting us in taking the necessary steps towards achieving our goals and creating the life we want.
When using affirmations, use powerful language and be clear about what you want.
Some examples of positive affirmations include:
- I am worthy of what I desire.
- I am living in abundance and prosperity.
- I am confident and accept myself exactly as I am.
- I am healing my body with nourishing food and mindful movement.
- I am inspiring others through my soul’s highest expression.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, consciously shifting your language is key to shifting your reality and creating the life of your dreams.
Until you understand how your words are programming your reality – which words support you and which ones hinder you – you will continue to self-sabotage and block yourself from living a life of freedom, abundance, expansion and joy.
On the flip side, by becoming mindful of the words you use, you empower yourself and others, creating a rich and fulfilling life and positively impacting the world around you.
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Danielle Rateau is a writer, yoga and meditation instructor, certified health coach, and global traveler. In 2022, she lived and worked at an ayahuasca retreat center in Peru. She is currently expanding her offerings through the study of trauma informed breathwork and sound healing.
Connect with Danielle on Instagram: @daniellerateau