Journal Topic - Communication

Quote
Words are singularly the most powerful force available to humanity. We can choose to use this force constructively with words of encouragement, or destructively using words of despair. Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble. ~Yehuda Berg


Discussion
The art of communication is dying. We would rather send a text than call someone on the phone. There is so much more to communication than sending a smiley face or thumbs up emoji. We are all losing the ability to “read” people’s facial expressions or understand the tone of their voice, email, or text and effectively respond appropriately. When was the last time you sat down across the table from a friend or family member and had an honest and open conversation? How many times have you misread someone and had your feelings hurt only to find out that was not the intent?

Prompts
Sunday - Read the quote out loud. What is your initial reaction? Why? What about this quote do you agree with? Disagree with? 

Monday -  What does communication mean to you? What types of communication are you aware of?

Tuesday - How does this apply to your life right now in this moment? Do you have difficulty expressing yourself to your family, friends, coworkers, or strangers?  Are you often misunderstood?

Wednesday - When thinking about how you communicate, how can you be more effective? Think of all the ways you’ve mis-communicated in the past, how could you have changed your words or tone in order to prevent disagreements or misunderstandings? 

Thursday - What words did you use today that were negative or hurtful, positive or uplifting? Did someone react differently than you expected? Tomorrow, practice mindful communication. Be careful in the words and tone you use to communicate with others. 

Friday - How did you change how and what you said today? Did you find this difficult or easy? Why? 

​Saturday - After reflecting over the last week, what is your reaction to this quote now? What changed? What stayed the same?

Stone - Chrysocolla

Chrysocolla is a copper silicate stone that is green, blue, or a mixture of both. It is frequently found in oxidized copper deposits. It is a water element stone which helps with communication and energy. 

Chrysocolla helps open the throat chakra so one can communicate their inner wisdom. It helps us own the power of our words and be aware of how our words can affect our lives. It helps one find the deepest truth of our heart.

Chrysocolla is also know as the teaching stone. It assists one to speak their highest knowledge in order to help others. It helps choose your words carefully and realize the impact they will have. Chrysocolla is helpful to those who have to speak for a living, and to those who are afraid to speak their hearts. 
Chrysocolla also teaches the value of silence. It can help diffuse anger and sarcasm, as sometimes our truth is best expressed through silence. 

You can wear a Chrysocolla necklace so it is close to your throat chakra, or hold the stone and say this affirmation:
“I listen to my inner voice and heart and have confidence to speak my truth. I am aware that my words affect my reality. I am also aware of how my words impact others.”

​Essential Oil/Herb - Lavender

Lavender is known as the ‘go to’ oil. Most people know Lavender for its soothing and calming properties. However, it can also freshen and purify, support respiration, soothe skin irritations, reduce muscle soreness, support the immune system, and support the nervous system. 
On the emotional side, Lavender is known as the oil of communication. It can be difficult to express your true self and communicate your thoughts and desires. Lavender can assist in communication.  It calms fears of rejection of expressing one’s true self. Lavender helps you to be honest with yourself and gives you the courage to share that with others.
Ways to use Lavender:

1. Rub lavender oil over your heart
2. Place in a diffuser and do a meditation or journal 
   
3. Place a few drops in the tub with epsom salts
   
4. Make a blend in a rollerball with lavender and cedar wood. Apply it when you need to communicate openly and honestly. 
   

Animal Guide - Toucan

Toucan people are confident and gifted communicators. They love to be the center of attention. They prefer to socialize in smaller groups of four to six people. They dream of traveling to far off lands but tend to stay close to home in finding their adventures in life. Sometimes Toucans forget how their words can affect others and will speak inappropriately. However, their intentions are always pure, and it is usually just a small misunderstanding of meaning.

Toucan people are also colorful, and unpredictable. They can find peace in small spaces and when they need to rest they will seek out a small cozy nook to relax in. Occasionally Toucan people spread themselves a bit too thin. 
​

• Speak up loud and clearly
• Get your ideas and thoughts out there in a way that will benefit those around you
• Your contributions have value. 
• You will have to let go of your shyness and speak up.
• You have a lot of inner wisdom to share with the world. 
• Use your voice in beneficial ways.

Call upon Toucan to give you the courage to speak your truth.