Dr. Masaru Emoto conducted experiments on water stored in containers and then supercooled them to create ice crystals. During the experiment, some containers were labeled with negative words. Conversely, other bottles were labeled with words of gratitude. The findings were published the Society for Scientific Exploration in 2008, Volume 22, Number 4 (2008) | Society for Scientific Exploration”. www.scientificexploration.org. The results seemed to support a finding that “negative” words or emotions can structurally influence the formation of ice crystallization, confirming that words have power. Following this notion, it would not be a logical leap to suggest that if the impact of negative words can influence the structural makeup of water, then words can impact our lives and possibly affect us on a molecular level. Now, other scholars have debated these findings; however, one thing that has been given merit is that words have power, maybe just not to the extent Dr. Emoto posits. Psychology Today reported, “if I were to put you into an fMRI scanner—a huge donut-shaped magnet that can take a video of the neural changes happening in your brain—and flash the word “NO” for less than one second, you’d see a sudden release of dozens of stress-producing hormones and neurotransmitters. These chemicals immediately interrupt the normal functioning of your brain, impairing logic, reason, language processing, and communication,” https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/words-can-change-your-brain/201207/the-most-dangerous-word-in-the-world.
For people who suffer from addiction, there is a lot of negativity in the public perception. Negativity surrounding the individual and labels that society will place on them. Additionally, the labels that the individual will place on themselves. All the while, we are all left pontificating why these individuals continue to choose substances, why attempts at sobriety are failing, and why these individuals aren’t able to find the strength to rise above it all and enhance their lives, when the very topic of conversation is framed and shrouded in negativity from the onset. The fact of the matter is that words impact our lives for better or for worse. In the case of the individual who struggles with addiction, whether it’s the perception of society, the conversations with the loved ones they have hurt, or the way they speak to themselves, it can create an environment that will not foster success or growth of self.
Now, painted in this light, it all seems rather dismal. What is being suggested is that the impact of negative words is far reaching and seemingly outside of the control of the receiver. However, the power of perception can help the individual overcome this seemingly powerless state and allow them to enter a state of being that embodies empowerment. Simply by being aware of the impact of negative words, you have taken the first step. Deciding to not allow others’ words to affect you is easier said than done, I understand this plight. But, through reality testing those words uttered by someone else to you, you can begin to create new neural pathways that can strengthen your ability in not being affected by another person’s words or attitudes. Further, if we accept that, “As we grow older, our perceptions often shift towards the negative because of our past experiences in similar situations. The human brain is biologically wired to focus . . . to keep us safe . . . so when we think about current or future situations, we more quickly recall unpleasant experiences we have had in the past,“ https://balancedachievement.com/psychology/shifting-perceptions/, the opposite can be true as well. This means that every time we replace the negative perception with a positive one, we strengthen that part of the brain, especially if we are able to associate the experience as a non-threat.
As an individual who now understands the impact of negative words, challenging yourself with shifting your perception goes beyond the words that are uttered to you by someone else. It would even extend beyond the words you speak to someone else, and venture into how you speak to yourself. Every time we construct our thoughts and words in a positive light, we are strengthening that neural pathway and deteriorating the years of conditioning we have had. When speaking to those you care for (especially yourself) and trying to help them through the struggles of addiction keep these things in mind. Tree House Recovery offers a multitude of opportunities to develop this skill for one’s self. The power to truly love yourself, will create the environment for sustained long-lasting sobriety and happiness. If you believe that your conversations with your loved ones or yourself have not yielded positive results of change, call Tree House Recovery and learn more about how we can help shift your perception.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]