Communication, Language, and Defining “The Path”

• The Merriam-Webster Dictionary’s definition for Communication is as follows : (1 a) a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior. 
• Their definition for Language is : (1 a) the words, their pronunciation, and the methods of combining them used and understood by a community.

Communication and language have been crucial to our survival as a species; the ability to share knowledge on what plants are good to eat, how to get across a raging river, and when there is danger around have solidified our success in the natural world. 

There are 4 commonly agreed upon forms of communication; Verbal, Nonverbal, written, and visual. 

- Verbal communication uses language and the spoken word (phone calls, zoom, in person)

- Nonverbal communication uses body language, eye contact and proximity (zoom, FaceTime, in person)

- Written communication uses a physical medium to capture the words to then be read (books, texts, email)

• Visual Communication uses pictures, graphs or other medium that is seen (instagram, snapchat, memes?)

Ok now we are all on the same page in the use of the words here.

Now more than ever in our recorded history do we have so many forms of communicating with each other; yet there appears to be a disconnect in the messages and the communication. We choose to communicate with those that reinforce our own values more often than those with opposing views or values. We trend to lesser forms forms of communication more often because it seems more convenient. I have become more aware of how easily the message we are trying to communicate can be misinterpreted when we use things like, Instagram messages, text messages, and emails. 

With more people relying on digital communication due to the Pandemic the chances for the the message you are trying to convey to be misinterpreted has increased. 

Communication is a 2 way street and I have noticed a shift as to the importance placed on the receivers interpretation more so than the senders intent. Ideally we address this on a societal level; before we do that we have to address it within ourself. 

How do we address this?

• Step 1; As the Receiver it is your job to assume positive intent. We project tone into written communication based on where we are in that moment. If we assume the sender is not out to spite us we will read the message differently.
• Step 2; As the Sender it is your job to take the time and review before sending the message. Ask yourself If you wold read negativity in your message. If you are stressed, upset, or distracted take 2 to 3 deep breaths before composing the message.
• Step 3; Bypass the written and make a call. I communicate better verbally than I do in the written, I think most humans do. Break what has become the social norm and pick up the phone, allow tone to play into the conversation.

You might be wondering how does this relate to defining “The Path” ?

Let’s go back to The Merriam-Webster Dictionary; 

Path

- 1 : a trodden way

- 2 : a track specially constructed for a particular use

- 3 a : Course, Route

      b : a way of life, conduct, or thought

-4 a : the continuous series of positions or configurations that can be assumed in any motion or process of change by a moving or varying system

• A way of life , conduct, or thought. 
  • Those are what is within our control to define for ourselves and then to follow. You control how you think about an issue, how you act outwardly, and the way you want to live. 
  • Choose carefully the words and language you use to define your path; It is not for anyone else except yourself.
    • Do you want to be considered a victim because of your skin color, gender, or the way you identify? You get to decide that; not society.  
    • Do you want to half-ass your work just skating by or do you want to put your head down and grind it out to make something better of yourself? Again You get to decide. 

I choose not to be victim, despite what the societal narrative is about Purple Heart Recipient “disabled” veterans. I choose to let my struggles and short comings propel me to become better; to learn from them, face them head on and as this Infantry is famous for “close with and destroy the enemy.”.

This takes time. Remember what I mentioned last week; We can understand the concept and it takes time and practice to master the technique.