"Words can kill you," commented Bernie Siegel, MD as he recently showed an entire screen of words/swords running into each other during a presentation to a group of individuals at an Exceptional Cancer Patients (ECaP) retreat.

Since then I've been struck by the more than coincidental association between the terms, "words" and "swords."

Although seemingly trivial at first glance, perhaps there was more to the similarity than met the eye. Was this purely coincidence? ... you know the way things superficially seem to be connected when they really are not. Or did our ancestors crafting the language we use today leave us with something far more important to think about?

I'm convinced there are no coincidences.

As humankind evolved, the power of words (both positive and negative) became obvious. While no doubt looks could kill, the ability to lash out verbally was often strong enough to tear into the depths of one's soul. Verbal attacks have the potential to inflict wounds that often result in a lifetime of pain and suffering.

Words tear us apart and often thwart our potential. The fate of children is often sealed early on by statements that squelch their vitality and creative potential. And while words may be swords, negative criticism is as powerful as a machine gun, riveting holes in the substance that holds us together and enables us to exist as whole human beings. Statements like "you’re not good enough, you'll never succeed, you're lazy and you’re a failure," often endure as lifetime scars. Negative suggestions that take hold predictably foretell ongoing consequences.

Words also continue to shape our existence. Slogans etched in our minds predictably determine our actions and choices. More than mere phrases, words strongly impact cultures, attitudes, beliefs and futures. Threats and condescending statements turn hatred, bigotry and deceit into actions that turn people against each other.

Taken to an extreme, while the prospect of casting a spell upon another is considered the substance of magic, fairytales or voodoo, the words we readily express, especially in anger and often without second thought, result in devastating effects. Especially in periods of vulnerability, people continue to replay and dwell upon the words that hurt them the most. The resultant condescending emotional tone is unhealthy and can lead to dis-ease.

Even in the absence of anger or threat, words can seal our fate. When a doctor announces, "you have three months to live," life suddenly comes to a grinding halt. Yet you have a choice. If you accept the prognosis without reservation, your fate is sealed. Your body will not argue. Such words become the substance of your beliefs which in turn significantly impact your biology and your will to live. However, if you challenge those words, your body stands at least a fighting chance to beat the odds or create new ones.

What is the best defense against those words/swords that threaten your existence?
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