Blogs
"Exploring Healing, One Vulnerable Step at a Time."
I try to write my blogs in Dutch and English. That's why it might seem like they are posted twice.
In het afgelopen jaar ben ik me steeds bewuster geworden van de kracht van woorden. Zowel de uitgesproken woorden als de woorden die rond gaan in onze gedachten. In de complexe weefsels van menselijke interactie en innerlijke beleving, schuilen deze twee onzichtbare maar onmiskenbaar krachtige elementen. Zowel de gesproken woorden als de innerlijke taal vormen de ruggengraat van onze communicatie en geloof het of niet maar ze bepalen in grote mate de kwaliteit van ons leven. Woorden zijn niet slechts combinaties van letters; ze zijn de bouwstenen van onze realiteit. Bovendien bevatten woorden een energetische trilling die tevens een grote impact kunnen genereren op de omgeving om ons heen. Zo heb ik na mijn kanker diagnose nooit bevestigd dat ik ziek was. Altijd zei ik “ik heb een diagnose gekregen” of “ze zeggen dat ik ziek ben”. Wanneer ik dit zou bevestigen zou het mijn realiteit worden, en dat voelde niet goed. De woorden die we kiezen om uit te drukken wat we denken en voelen, creëren een beeld van de wereld om ons heen. Woorden hebben het vermogen om te genezen, te inspireren, maar ook te verwonden. Een compliment kan iemands dag verlichten, terwijl een belediging littekens kan achterlaten die dieper gaan dan we ons kunnen voorstellen. Het kiezen van positieve woorden kan onze mindset dus beïnvloeden en ons helpen te focussen op het goede, zelfs te midden van uitdagingen. Woorden zijn als zaadjes die we planten in de tuin van ons bewustzijn, en afhankelijk van wat we zaaien, oogsten we de vruchten. De Japanse onderzoeker Masaru Emoto voerde experimenten uit waarbij hij water blootstelde aan verschillende woorden, muziek of gedachten. Hij liet zien dat water dat was blootgesteld aan positieve woorden of mooie muziek kristallijne structuren vormde, terwijl water blootgesteld aan negatieve woorden of harde muziek chaotische en ongeordende structuren vertoonde. Ons lichaam bestaat voor ongeveer 70% uit water dus kies je woorden zorgvuldig uit! Toen ik werd opgenomen in het ‘zieken’huis besefte ik me dat dit ook een vreemd woord is voor een instelling dat voor genezing zou moeten gaan. Huis van genezing of gezondheidscentrum zou ik nu dan ook veel passender vinden. Gedachten, onze innerlijke taal, zijn als stille architecten die de realiteit van ons leven ontwerpen. Wat we denken, beïnvloedt direct onze emoties, beslissingen en acties. Maar ook ons fysieke lichaam reageert direct op gedachten. Een angstige gedachte kan direct je hartslag verhogen, een impuls geven waarna je gaat zweten. Een hartslag is natuurlijk goed voelbaar maar realiseer je dat de kracht van woorden en gedachten tot in het diepst van onze cellen kan manifesteren. Positieve gedachten kunnen een positieve spiraal creëren, terwijl negatieve gedachten ons gevangen kunnen houden in een neerwaartse spiraal van zelftwijfel en angst. De kracht van gedachten wordt nog duidelijker wanneer we beseffen dat ze niet alleen reflecties zijn van onze huidige staat van zijn, maar ook vormgevers van onze toekomstige realiteit. Ze zijn de innerlijke drijvende kracht achter onze meest significante prestaties. Het samenspel tussen woorden en gedachten vind ik fascinerend. Onze woorden weerspiegelen vaak onze innerlijke gedachten, maar ze kunnen ook fungeren als katalysatoren voor verandering in onze innerlijke wereld. Positieve woorden kunnen negatieve gedachten transformeren en vice versa. Het is daarom belangrijk, zeker als je in een pittige situatie verkeerd, je bewust te worden van dit samenspel. Het begint met het cultiveren van een bewuste taal, zowel in gesproken vorm als in onze innerlijke dialoog. Welke gedachten heb je allemaal? Speel ermee, kloppen die gedachten wel? En als je ze veranderd naar positieve woorden wat veranderd er dan? Door positieve woorden te kiezen en bewust te zijn van onze gedachten, kunnen we de koers van ons leven sturen naar een meer positieve, vervullende bestemming. De kracht van woorden en gedachten is een gave en een verantwoordelijkheid. We hebben de mogelijkheid om met onze taal een wereld van verschil te maken, zowel voor onszelf als voor anderen. Laten we bewust kiezen voor woorden die inspireren, versterken, verbinden, én gezondheid creëren.
In the past year, I have become increasingly aware of the power of words—both spoken words and those that circulate in our thoughts. Within the intricate tapestry of human interaction and inner experience, these two invisible yet undeniably potent elements reside. Both spoken words and inner language form the backbone of our communication, and believe it or not, they significantly determine the quality of our lives. Words are not merely combinations of letters; they are the building blocks of our reality. Furthermore, words contain an energetic vibration that can also have a profound impact on the environment around us. For instance, after my cancer diagnosis, I never affirmed that I was sick. I always said, "I have received a diagnosis" or "they say I am unwell." Confirming my illness would make it my reality, and that didn't feel right. The words we choose to express our thoughts and feelings create a picture of the world around us. Words have the power to heal, inspire, but also to wound. A compliment can brighten someone's day, while an insult can leave scars deeper than we can imagine. Choosing positive words can influence our mindset and help us focus on the good, even in the midst of challenges. Words are like seeds we plant in the garden of our consciousness, and depending on what we sow, we reap the fruits. The Japanese researcher Masaru Emoto conducted experiments exposing water to different words, music, or thoughts. He demonstrated that water exposed to positive words or beautiful music formed crystalline structures, while water exposed to negative words or harsh music displayed chaotic and disordered structures. Considering our body is approximately 70% water, it's crucial to choose our words carefully! Thoughts, our inner language, act as silent architects designing the reality of our lives. What we think directly influences our emotions, decisions, and actions. Our physical body also responds directly to thoughts. An anxious thought can instantly raise your heart rate, prompting a surge of sweat. While a heartbeat is palpable, recognize that the power of words and thoughts can manifest in the deepest layers of our cells. Positive thoughts can create a positive spiral, while negative thoughts can trap us in a downward spiral of self-doubt and fear. The power of thoughts becomes even clearer when we realize they are not just reflections of our current state but shapers of our future reality. They are the inner driving force behind our most significant achievements. I find the interplay between words and thoughts fascinating. Our words often reflect our inner thoughts, but they can also act as catalysts for change in our inner world. Positive words can transform negative thoughts and vice versa. Therefore, it is crucial, especially in challenging situations, to become aware of this interplay. It begins with cultivating a conscious language, both in spoken form and in our inner dialogue. What thoughts do you have? Play with them. Do those thoughts align? And if you change them to positive words, what changes? By choosing positive words and being conscious of our thoughts, we can steer the course of our lives towards a more positive, fulfilling destination. The power of words and thoughts is a gift and a responsibility. We have the ability to make a world of difference with our language, both for ourselves and for others. Let's consciously choose words that inspire, strengthen, connect, and create health.
Life sometimes confronts us with challenges that bring us to our core. A cancer diagnosis is one such profound moment, testing not only the body but also the spirit. This was no different for me. I wish to discuss the inner struggle that unfolded in my mind after receiving the cancer diagnosis. The internal conflict between trusting intuition and heeding the voice of fear is a complex and personal journey. How does one navigate this inner turmoil, and what choices are available? The sense of intuition, often described as an inner voice or the voice of the heart, is something we all experience. In times of crisis, such as a cancer diagnosis, this intuition can be a powerful guide. It is the voice that speaks from deep within, instilling confidence and hope. Perhaps intuitively, you feel you've chosen the right treatment option or that there is hope even in the most challenging moments. However, I've observed that few people fully dare to trust this inner voice. The doctor's voice sometimes seems much easier to understand for some. For me, that inner voice was clear from the start. Still, I had to explore where it originated. Did I reject chemotherapy because I was afraid, or did that voice come from inner knowing? Listening to our inner voices, recognizing them, is also something we must 'learn.' Opposite the voice of intuition is the inevitable voice of fear. It is the whisperer of worst-case scenarios, potential complications, and the fear of the unknown. Not knowing often led me to the voice of fear during the entire period after the diagnosis. I never felt sick during that time. I couldn't measure against my body, thinking, "Ah, now I feel better, so things must be improving." I had to repeatedly return to trust, or at least, that's what I chose. The voice of fear stems from a natural instinct to protect ourselves but can be paralyzing. It sows doubt and creates a constant inner conflict. Especially when faced with a cancer diagnosis, this conflict can lead you to let the doctor make decisions because, after all, they studied for it. The question that arises is: how do you make choices amid this inner conflict? Is there a way to determine which voice to follow? The answer is complex and personal. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but there are some considerations that can help. Self-awareness is the beginning of learning to listen to your heart's voice. Take the time to understand yourself. Sit in silence and, free from judgment, observe what arises. Where do the voices come from? Do they stem from fear? You can even give different voices names. This way, you can recognize them, and in meditation, you might think, "Oh, there's that panic panda again..." when a particular voice emerges in your thoughts. Self-awareness can be a powerful compass when making decisions. Seek support. Talk to friends, family, and/or professionals. External perspectives can help filter the voices in your head. A supportive network can be a source of strength and insight. I've learned that you need to be specific about whose opinions and perspectives you want to hear, especially when it comes to a cancer diagnosis. There are so many people who have (in)directly dealt with it. Before you know it, someone will tell you a story about the neighbor's friend's cousin who had this or that. I limited myself to two friends who truly understood how I stood in this story on a soul level. I also had conversations with my family. However, don't forget that many people around you are in fear. They are afraid of losing you. Their advice is often not based on what is genuinely best for you but what they think is best for you. Try to stay true to yourself, take in all well-intentioned advice, and feel what resonates with you. Perhaps the key to dealing with inner conflict is acknowledging and accepting it. It is normal to experience both intuition and fear. Even if you stand strong, that fear is there too. It doesn't mean that one of the voices is incorrect, but rather that they both play a role in the human experience spectrum. Accepting inner conflict as a natural part of the human experience is a step toward finding resilience amidst the challenges that life presents. Moreover, the choice is yours. What do you choose? Are you willing to choose trust in your inner knowing even when everyone else says otherwise?
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