The Power of the Word

9/5/09

The first day living here was rough. I arrived around 1:30 in the afternoon, so I had most of the day to be in the house with the family. They speak no English, and after the very little bit of French I know where you say your name and ask how others are....there was nothing to say. The other two volunteers were on vacation for the weekend in Fes and weren't there to help translate, and it was pretty rough to have to sit there in silence with no idea what the hell was going on around me. I think because I couldn't talk the host mother kept feeding me, just so I would have something to do with my mouth....so much for that Ramadan diet.

Being able to express yourself is such a gift. Not being able to communicate with anyone here makes me think I'll never hold back from speaking ever again. That's one of those things we take for granted. I've had problems getting caught up in my thoughts and trying desperately to control what others are perceiving of me, persuade myself in and out of ideas, etc. Now I see what bullshit that is. If you are lucky enough to be able to express yourself, by all means, DO IT! Be it with words, art, music, or movement, I'm begging you to please do it.

Having to sit quietly and not be able to participate in conversation was really rough for me and I thought "Now I know the power of the word." There is book called The Four Agreements in which the author discusses the "Power of the Word" and "Being Impeccable With Your Word." And boy, let me tell you what, not having that power made me realize the privilege of speech, and that I absolutely must use that power impeccably. I hope I don't forget that three months from now.

By the way, if you haven't read The Four Agreements, you really should.