Words create hope, and fear. When used idly, words create confusion, distrust, anxiety, and physical pain within our bodies. But when used with positive intentions, words have the power to unite people, and communities. To create love and trust, and belief. Whether spoken, or written, each of us experiences our own unique feeling to individual words.

During this time I’ve found it comforting speaking to those who inspire me. Some of who have been so kind to take the time to share their thoughts, inspirations and life stories. And for that I feel honored to know incredibly talented people who are creating now, for a better tomorrow, whilst inspiring the present.

Our latest conversations are now available to read on the ‘tongues‘ section of the website. Including the marvelous (and oh so humble) philosopher Simon Critchley discussing the pandemic. Physicist and author Alan Lightman (see preview below) shares his thoughts surrounding wasting time, the concept of play, and Buddhism. Federico Solmi shares his life story, leaving his family in Italy and moving to New York, not being able to speak a word of English, he has become a highly acknowledged artist. Michael Alan Alien reflects upon his life journey, thoughts surrounding death, spirituality, love and overcoming feeling ‘stuck’.

Studies within neuroscience have demonstrated that a ‘word’ is an experience-dependent functional network. For example; the more we say ‘no’ the more stress chemicals are released, not only in our brains, but in the listeners as well. (Note: I’m not encouraging hasty decisions here!). Could we be kinder with words, to ourselves, others, and our networks? What ripple effects, could we create – love, understanding and compassion. To quote Burroughs;

This month I’ve been researching human language; and our physical response (our motor systems response) to media. Through my work in media and advertising, and more recently with yoga and meditation, I’m working on a commission which highlights the physical and neurological effects that advertising takes hold within our bodies. If you’re interested in learning more about this project, write me an email.

Final thoughts; a subdued but somewhat beautiful discovery for me last week was that of Japanese words which have not been translated to English:

Yugen
A mysterious sense of beauty of the universe, and the sad beauty of human suffering.

Wabi-sabi
Finding beauty within the imperfections of life, and peacefully accepting the natural cycle of growth and decay.

Ukiyo
The floating world, living in the moment, and being detached from all bothers of life.

This was an extract taken from the April 2020 hatchers.tv newsletter