This is the punchline from a comic that I follow. You can read the full thing here, but it’s the last bit that really grabbed my attention.
Aliens are surveying our downfall, and concluding:
“Imagine billions of tiny brains whose only connection is language.”
Because YES! If we really were limited to language as our sole means of communication, “that’d do it” indeed.
Language—a largely left brain, intellectual attribute—is merely a metaphor for something much, much deeper.
A veneer, applied thinly over who-we-really-are.
Language is just pattern-matching and categorisation, based on shared rules.
It’s fine as a tool (I mean, I mustn’t knock it – it’s what I use here in the Daily Reminders, every day!) but it’s only a pointer. It’s not “it.”
Silence is where “it” is at.
- Which is why two people sitting in presence can feel a deep sense of connection.
- Why all the heavy lifting is done in client sessions after we stop talking.
- Why you sense your place in the universe when out in nature, or maybe in silent prayer.
Language is all “after the fact.”
Connection is there before the word.
So now put aside your screen—and this language—and just spend a moment doing what you were put on this earth to do: Being. You.
In doing so, recall these words of Hafiz (it’s been a while)!
Curfews
Noise is a cruel ruler
Who is always imposing curfews,
While stillness and quiet
Break open the vintage bottles.
Awake the real band!
💟
Giles