How Our Worldview And Spiritual Perspective Are Shaped By Our Native Language
Written by: Susan Gale, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Language shapes how we see the world. As an example, in English, words denote ranking through words like better and best, faster and fastest. These words cause native English speakers to unconsciously compare themselves to others rather than look within to see their internal truths.
On the other hand, the language of many indigenous tribes in the Americas does not have such words. The native speakers of these languages cannot even express the thought of being better than someone, so the thought is not there.
Thus language gives each speaker a different worldview.
How does the English language shape the explosion of interest in spiritual perspectives? Not in a good way. Between the English language and the academic paradigm, deep understanding is difficult at best.
Difficulties with English wording
Once an indigenous woman told me that “English is a very fractured language.” After sitting with this, I could see what she meant. All the words stand alone. To hear the word squirrel for the first time means nothing in English without having had any experience with a squirrel. However, in Mohawk, the word for squirrel, aonkwe'tá:kon, means animal that runs up and down the tree. You not only know a bit about the squirrel’s behavior but also a bit about its habitat.
Another example is when I asked a friend whose first language was Cherokee, how the term third eye would translate, he said, “eye that sees far.” Again, there is that action and purpose in the very word. This does not happen in English except with compound words such as football or basketball.
Spiritual matters are all about energy and how it interacts, moves, and affects other energies that are both formed and formless. Our lives are shaped by the interaction of our thoughts with energetic principles. The English language makes it very difficult to explain this.
Trying to use English and working from within the academic paradigm create the death knell for any accurate understanding of energetic matters.
Academic vs Spiritual paradigms
From being an educator for many years, I am well versed in the academic paradigm, none of which is helpful to understanding or working with the energetic world! It is, however, essential for meeting challenges in the physical world.
From teaching people how to understand their intuition for the past 20 years, I have come to understand how very different the energetic paradigm is. While our lives are much better when we understand and use both paradigms, they are not interchangeable. Here are some differences.
Trying vs Allowing
Within the academic paradigm, we are often told to try harder or just try. Of course, this is wasted advice if one does not have the skills with which to try, but nevertheless, it is often said.
Within the energetic paradigm, we must allow. Trying puts us squarely in our thoughts and we cannot listen to intuitive messages and thoughts simultaneously.
Proving vs Trusting
“Show your work” is another way to say prove how you got this answer within the academic paradigm. The scientific method is all about proving a hypothesis.
However, in the energetic paradigm, it is all about trusting the message and having faith in what you receive. Nothing is of the five senses, so how can it be proven? Of course, there are games such as predicting the cards, but how do you prove how you knew?
Thinking vs Accepting
Even in this writing, you are being led through a thought process of compare and contrast. However, this is not useful for energetic matters. In energetic matters, you accept what you are shown. If something seems vague, then you ask “show me more.” If you are analyzing it, again, you are listening to your thoughts, which is very unhelpful.
One correct answer vs Multiple correct, simultaneous answers that fluctuate
In school, we are expected to give the correct answer. It is always the same answer and is only marked correct when it conforms to what is expected.
In energetic matters, because the answers are determined by current energetic conditions, the answer is usually always different from person to person and can change from moment to moment. However, it can always be trusted to reveal the correct information at that moment.
Knowing through the five senses vs senses not being a source
While the body can give you intuitive clues, the senses are not the source. When young, my son would say “I saw with my special eyes, not my real eyes,” to let me know when he was seeing things in other dimensions.
Final thoughts
If English is the first language, it is vital to come to an understanding of energy through experience and to allow the words that explain it to come from describing the experience. Only then will it be possible to have an accurate and deep understanding of the energetic world. Trying to grasp an energetic experience through English words heard or read elsewhere when you have had no experience or are just learning is an impossible thing to accomplish.
Want to learn more or study with Susan Gale of A Place of Light? Follow on Facebook, or Instagram. You can also visit the website or membership site.
Susan Gale, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Since 2003, Susan Gale has devoted her life to people of all ages who want to understand intuition. Whether it is a one-on-one session, group class, retreat, or online course, Susan has crafted many ways for those who are interested to learn how soul speaks to them through their personal intuitive language. She is passionate about her mission to create experiences for people of all ages so that they can find their unique connection to spirit. Her work at A Place of Light has not gone unnoticed. She appeared on A&E’s “Psychic Kids: Their Sixth Sense,” and her teachings are mentioned by authors John Holland (Spirit Whisperer), Maureen Hancock (The Medium Next Door), and Caron B. Goode (Kids Who See Ghosts).
