Words Carry Power

The importance of intention and clarity of speech in our upside-down world.

Thank you for being here. Because Life is Messy… is a space where timeless wisdom meets real-life grit. Whether you’re grieving, reimagining, or simply craving spiritual depth without the dogma — you’re home.

Here, we tell the truth in the conversations that matter — tender and tough — because that’s where connection and transformation live.

Dear Friends,

This isn’t the post I planned on sending you today. That one sits in my drafts, and I’ll share it when the timing feels more aligned.

Why? Because it’s not even mid-January, and I’m feeling shaken — and at times overwhelmed — by the unchecked power and chaos being demonstrated in the leadership of my country. Or, as a writer friend of mine so aptly put it, the fuckery taking place before our eyes.

There are times when I hunker down at my desk, shut the world out, and get to the business of writing. I close the door, put the blinders on, and do what I need to do for my sanity. But then there are moments so disturbing — so unsettling — that to not acknowledge what’s happening would be to lose a part of my moral compass.

I say my country because I’m honored to know that Because Life is Messy… is read far beyond the United States. I often wonder what my Canadian and European readers see and feel as they witness what is happening here, in a nation that proclaims freedom for all. I’m in conversation with friends across our so-called borders, and I know many share my grief, disbelief, and alarm.

Margaret Thatcher is often quoted as saying:

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become your actions. Watch your actions, for they become your habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

These words are also attributed to the ancient yogic texts, The Upanishads.

Wherever they originated, what matters is the truth they point to: words carry power.

In the yoga tradition, what we speak is known as Matrika Shakti.

Matrika, meaning “little mothers,” or the generative vibration of speech. Shakti, the living energy behind it.

In this upside-down world we’re living in, what we say — and the intention behind our words — matters deeply. I believe in speaking out for what we believe in and standing with those who are being harmed and marginalized. I also believe in the unseen force our words carry.

All we need to do is listen to the voices that grow louder and louder—saying nothing yet telling us everything.

So choose your words wisely, my friends. And let us meet them with consciousness, discernment, and skillful action.

Which is why gathering — even in small, imperfect ways — feels so important right now. If you feel called to practice listening more deeply, I’m holding a small Practice Circle for paid subscribers where we’ll explore embodiment, intention, and inner steadiness together.

We begin on Tuesday, January 27th, 5:00 pm PT. The Zoom link will be sent closer to our start date. To maintain our group's harmony, this offer is exclusive to paid subscribers.

Read last week’s post to learn more about Awakening Shakti: The Practice Circle.

If you’re on the fence or have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We are not meant to navigate these times alone.