Written by: Jennifer Degen, 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.
In the corporate environment, words, concepts, and narratives often dominate our interactions. We strive for clear communication, logical discussions, and literal interpretations, so much so that it can sometimes create a sense of separation from our direct,non-linguistic experiences. This can lead to a paradoxical situation where we yearn for connection, but our reliance on words and ideas inadvertently creates distance.
Consider the vibrant world of images, feelings, and sensations that can't be captured or defined by language alone. This non-linguistic world represents the pure, unfilteredhuman experience, standing in stark contrast to the world of words to which we're accustomed.
Have you ever found yourself tuning out of a conversation, feeling as if you're listening to a looped recording?
(picture of a recording_ This might occur because we often communicate in patterns that lean heavily on intellectualism and words, distancing us from genuine, shared experiences. To break this cycle, it can be helpful to pause and ask ourselves:
"Why am I talking?" (WAIT)
This simple question encourages mindfulness and reflection on whether what we're saying is truly adding value or fostering connection. In our quest to protect ourselves from vulnerability and rejection, we may lean into an overuse of words, keeping conversations superficial and devoid of true substance. However, vulnerability is often necessary for establishing deep connections, and meaningful conversations require more than just intellectual exchange. In therapeutic settings, an over-reliance on language can also lead to difficulties. While words can describe experiences to a certain extent, they cannot fully encapsulate the range of human emotions and sensations. When therapists go beyond words, embracing non-verbal, sensory, and emotional experiences, they can provide their clients with tools to better understand, process, and integrate complex experiences. However, it's important to stress that we need not completely discard the linguistic world. The key is balance – a harmony between the world of language and the world beyond it. This equilibrium allows us to appreciate life in all its complexity, from the logical to the experiential, from the concrete to the abstract.
In corporate settings, this balance is crucial. It can guide us in creating an environment where we appreciate the utility of words and ideas while remaining open to the richness of non-linguistic experiences. Integrating both modes of experiencing the world in our daily interactions can lead to more authentic, deeper connections.
So, the next time you engage in a conversation, WAIT. Ask yourself if what you're about to say will foster connection, add value, or bring you and your colleagues closer to a more authentic, holistic human experience. Through conscious communication, we can bridge the gap between the worlds of words and experience, fostering deeper, more meaningful connections in the corporate world.
Want to learn more about the non-verbal world?
Jennifer Degen, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Her work as a Somatic Coach and Resiliency Expert draws on 30 years of eastern and western traditions. Jennifer’s post-traumatic growth from having brain surgery was a catapulting force that led her to shaping sustainable wellness solutions. Her work with health professionals, caretakers and leaders focus’ on Expanding connection, Opening to creativity, Life work balance, Embodied mindfulness, Self-leadership, Insight and Sustainable change. Mind Body Awareness is the intersection of somatic psychology, neuroscience, mindfulness and personal growth.
