I was brought to tears yesterday morning after I hung up the phone with my father. We had our usual chat and as we were bringing the conversation to a close, I said, “I love you, Dad!” and then he replied, “I love YOU, Nina!”

This sounds like a fairly typical interchange between father and daughter, except that what isn’t typical is the way my father told me he loves me. He went out of his way to emphasize the YOU in I love YOU. He was very present; enormous feeling was placed on every aspect of this 4-word sentence. I could feel his meaning all the way to the core of my being. And there was absolutely no question about the power and intention of his words.

I read recently about the story of a CEO in one of my favorite business marketing books by Andrea Adler of www.holisticpr.com . This gentleman developed a practice of maintaining silence every Sunday. He spoke not a word. His belief was that when he went to work on Monday, that his words would carry greater meaning because his Sunday was spent in total peace. And the words he did choose to voice to would have more consciousness and wisdom.

In our hurried society, we often say things out of habit. We often ramble. We are frequently scared of silence, if not terrified, especially when in the company of others. Our words tumble out of our mouths without great thought or presence. We’re addicted to senseless noise.

There is great strength in words and in sound. But they must be used with purpose to have impact. Have you ever spent time with someone who talks non-stop? At what point do you stop listening? And have you ever spent time with someone who is viewed as quiet, but when they do say something, it’s worth hearing?

Choose your words wisely today. Allow the sounds in your environment to bring strength to your being. If you listen to music on your way home from work, choose it deliberately, not just out of habit. When you greet someone and ask “How are you doing today?” say it with presence and put emphasis on the whole sentence.

St. Francis said to his disciples, “Go out in the world and preach the gospel. And when necessary, use words.”

Speak well and be well!
Much love,
Rev. Nina and Your Angels

My father is a quiet man and often reminds me of the Buddha. He maintains presence and peace wherever he goes. Here’s a photo of him and my beloved mother at Orlena’s graduation dinner.

From Doreen Virtue’s Goddess Guidance Oracle Cards