How much of what you hear from others controls your actions without you knowing? There is so much said in our everyday lives pushing us in uncomfortable directions. Find a way to filter out this noise.
Daniel MacDougall
Do the words of others enslave you?
A question of great significance often requiring introspection. Susceptibility to fall victim to verbal traps set by others steers our behavior like a rudder in an ocean of social games. We see words as pointed weapons carrying meaning, constructing or deconstructing realities and self-beliefs. If it was not for our ability to communicate, we might still languish in primitive confines. Consider how much knowledge you have gained just by our ability to talk.
Insults and Verbal Attacks
What occurs when the social world around you doesn’t go as expected?
A characteristic example of verbal assault hits you, shaping your behavior and actions. Commonplace in some social areas displaying the power of language and persuasion. The words and phrases from others dig like talons into your skin.
When confronted with adverse remarks or disparaging comments, it is your response that holds the key. Insults channel our emotions to the surface level. Resulting in a response that displays the enslavement. The tyranny is not the insult, but the consequential emotional upheaval resulting in behavioral manifestations.
We have to understand, in this case, words are just sounds made from passing air around our vocal cords, and they only have control because you give the insults meaning.
Someone insults you in an unfamiliar language with a smile on their face. You are likely to smile back and nod. These foreign words have no context to you and, therefore, no effect. Change the language, and words carry weight. Pushing you to act in a manner you later regret. It is this compulsive reaction to life that is hurting you. If someone insults you and you show a reaction, they have control over you.
How do we stop this reactive behavior? Here is a great article.
The insults from others are not the only method of verbal control.
Manipulation
Verbal coercion and manipulation can serve as conduits through a controlling narrative in your life. Individuals in positions of authority, false friends, and exploitative people may use persuasive language to manipulate your behavior. They can enslave you mentally and emotionally by the words they choose.
People make promises affecting your decisions and behaviors. They make promises that affect your decisions and life goals, but fail deliver on their end despite your efforts. Or, people behave in a complementary way, but their actions differ from the words they choose. This may influence you through relationships, work dynamics, politics, and advertising. Consider the chosen words and actions of others. Everyone else has their own wants and needs. Do you best not to get wrapped up in the desires of others.
Propaganda and Ideologies
Disseminating propaganda and ideologies has a pervasive influence on manipulating public perception. The worlds used by others arouse our emotions through existential threats.
Information communicated to us through various channels sways the movements of our beliefs and values. Critically analyze recurring media and social narratives. Do the words align with your values and beliefs? Consolidate your attention and free time in other places if ideologies don’t serve your values. No one should force their opinions and beliefs upon you.
Groupthink and Peer Pressure
Do you bite your tongue often in group situations? Group thinking and peer pressure may have a firm grip on you. Individuals feel coerced into conformity with prevailing group opinions, even if they disagree.
People willingly diminish their autonomy to conform to the values within the group. Thus letting the opinions of others take hold of them. In certain situations, the most effective approach is to listen. But, consider the information from your point of view and the groups. There is nothing wrong with contrasting ideas and constructive conversation.
There is a place and time for everything. If you agree too often, you can become a person built on the beliefs of others. Your autonomy decreases when you adopt the values and beliefs of others. Try expressing different beliefs that bring value to the conversation. You’re not there to argue with friends or coworkers, but to express constructive viewpoints. Plus, you might have something interesting to offer.
Ruminating Thought Patterns
You can deprive your internal thought patterns of their freedoms by ruminating on the opinions of others. A kind of cognitive entrapment. Individuals find themselves trapped in a negative loop cycle over what someone said. Remarks or actions reverberate within the mind, cascading a negative pattern and self-reproach.
No one in the present moment is insulting you, but something said or action in the past affects the present. Your mind should be free to contemplate the beneficial aspects of your life.
Ruminating on the words of others can lead to internalizing negative self-belief. Thus, causing an internal dialog of low self-esteem, self-doubt, and inadequacy.
Recognize negative thought patterns to break the feedback loop and challenge the validity of what others say. Is there evidence? Ground yourself in the present and remember that when people lash out, they are often reflecting on themselves.
Conclusion
The words and phrases used by others have a constant impact on self-perception. Linguistic expression manifests across a spectrum of our daily lives. It is your job to recognize the words and actions of others to avoid controlling traps. Cultivating awareness of your beliefs and values asserts autonomy when controlling factors influence you.
Weekly Side Quest:
Next time you find yourself ruminating over something said, recognize this state and relax. Nothing is happening to you at the present moment, and your mind has absently wandered into a negative loop. Switch you mind to the positive aspects of your life.
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Author's note: none of the writing was generated or made by AI. Our mission is provide a human touch to our journeys together. Thankyou always, Daniel MacDougall…