The Trick of Word Play

I love words. I love looking up the etymology of words and understanding how our unique life experiences shape our vocabulary. On a deeper level, words are like little spells that we cast even when thinking of them. This is why self-talk is critical: our subconscious is always listening.

Words are world makers. Crafting and shaping the reality unfolding around us. Words are what can set us free just as much as they can imprison us. Pay attention to words. How you use them and especially how others use them. We use words flippantly, often undervaluing their meanings. That could be in part because very few learn word origin as part of their education. On the one hand, I see the importance of teaching the basics of Latin or prefixes and suffixes, but it should not be required. As a homeschool mom, my kids think it is so unbelievably dull. I care to learn because it carries meaning for me in my present life.

Words can be used to trick you, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Here’s an example I have been contemplating. The well-intended concept of “finding your purpose” or “finding your why.” It is said that the answers you seek are within you. The love you need/want is found within you. The God you seek, within you. So, if all the answers you seek are within, then why do we need to “find?” To find something *implies that you do not have it. You are seeking outside yourself for something that is lost.

If we are trying to “find purpose,” are we just spinning our tails? Can purpose or your why be something that you need to find? Is the idea of purpose or why flawed within themselves. Does one need a purpose? Or is freedom found in doing just because?

Maybe having a purpose or why is not fundamentally the problem, and it’s more of a case in which we need to replace the word “find?” I’m unsure; this is more of a thought experiment and curiosity. I heard someone who practiced Kathara once say that religious texts or new age principles contain mostly truths but have these slight distortions to prevent individuals from unlocking the secrets of God. When I encounter verbiage like “finding purpose,” is it actually keeping us more confused?

Again, this is just a thought experiment. I’ll keep contemplating, try out some different phrasing, and report back.

What are your thoughts?