Words are our traveling companions, carriers of meaning and transformation. Often, we do not realize the strength contained in a word and tend to speak more than necessary. For the Hopis, the wise person is the one who speaks little but uses the power of words impeccably. As I have sometimes mentioned, a few years ago, I undertook a year-long learning diet from the tradition of the Amazonian Shipibo healers. The diet includes a set of very strict rules, including: strictly controlled food, no physical contact, no music, no distractions. In this isolation conducive to reflection and inner discovery, I was allowed to read only one book: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.
This book, which became a true teaching for me, resonated deeply within me and shaped my understanding of the power of words. Additionally, in a previous article, I explored the energy and healing contained in words in the Hopi language, highlighting how each word can influence our state of mind and environment.
Although I generally speak about the Hopis in my articles, I find many philosophical commonalities between these four agreements and the Hopi way of life. Today, I wish to delve deeper into this reflection by focusing on the first of the four Toltec agreements: "Be impeccable with your word."
The impeccable word: Foundation of Toltec wisdom
Don Miguel Ruiz, in his book "The Four Agreements," invites us to become aware of the power of our words and to use them with integrity and kindness. The agreement "Be impeccable with your word" teaches us that our words have the power to create and destroy, to bring healing or pain.
Speaking with an impeccable word means using our words constructively, to encourage and uplift, rather than to hurt or criticize. It also means being honest with ourselves and others, and speaking with the pure intention of manifesting good.
Connection with Hopi wisdom
This idea of the impeccable word resonates deeply with the Hopi teachings I discussed in my previous article. The Hopis, like the Toltecs, understand that words possess an intrinsic energy that can transform our reality. They use prayers and sacred words to heal and maintain harmony, carefully choosing each word for its vibration and effect. Although sacred chants are a more common practice among the Shipibo with the Ikaros, the Hopis also place great importance on the energy of words in their rituals and ceremonies.
Be impeccable with your word: The importance of intention
The Hopis and the Toltecs also share the belief that the intention behind our words is crucial. A word spoken with a pure and loving intention will have a much stronger and more beneficial impact. This is why, in Hopi healing practices, as I previously described, the intention is just as important as the words themselves.
Daily practices for an impeccable word
To integrate this wisdom into our daily lives, we can start by:
1. Being mindful of our words: Before speaking, take a moment to reflect on the energy we want to convey. Will our words bring support and positivity, or are they likely to hurt?
2. Cultivating a positive intention: As the Hopis do with their sacred prayers, we can infuse our words with a clear and benevolent intention. This can transform ordinary conversations into opportunities for healing and connection.
3. Using positive words: Just as Masaru Emoto's water crystals react differently to the words "love" and "hate," our environment and mind are influenced by the words we choose. By prioritizing positive words, we elevate our vibration and that of those around us.
Invitation to discovery and practice
Adopting the Toltec agreement "Be impeccable with your word" is a powerful way to transform our lives and bring more light and healing into the world. By combining this wisdom with Hopi practices of healing through words, we can create a more harmonious and fulfilling existence.
I am delighted to announce that I will be offering a series of teachings on the four Toltec agreements at the Yoga With You studio in Le Bouscat, near Bordeaux. You can learn more and sign up for the workshop by visiting this link.
To further explore these teachings and the ancestral wisdom of the Hopi, I invite you to:
- Visit our Teachings page to discover the riches of Hopi ancestral wisdom and other spiritual practices.
- Book a drum healing session to harmonize your energy and strengthen your spiritual connection.
- Become a member of our community, where we share these values and practices with respect and kindness.
Together, let's use the power of words to create a life of harmony, healing, and spiritual connection.
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