"The map is not the territory." -- Alfred Korzybski
Words are maps, but they are certainly not the territory.
We use words to help us better understand our world, to communicate with each other about our thoughts, feelings and actions. Sometimes words have a hidden treasures inside of them that we don't notice right away, but on second glance we see something compelling and useful.
Let's examine the word careful. What does it mean to be careful? When we think of careful, the first thought we may have is guarded and afraid. But, upon further reflection, we can see that careful means taking care. This is a really cool awareness.
When we are careful about our words, deeds, thoughts, and actions, we experience a different effect than when we are careless. If we take time to care about what we put in our bodies, minds and environments, our lives become wide open to receive the good. Discernment works to our benefit.
If, however, we are reckless, and act without care, something else happens. For instance, when we are listening to every opinion, calling everyone we meet a "friend," or even believing every thought that comes whirling into our heads, our worlds become chaotic and hard to navigate.
Raymond Holliwell in Working with the Law writes, "Freedom is not living an obsessed and undisciplined life. Freedom is in being able to control your life and in making it what you want it to be."
Do we take the time to care about creating our lives? Are we careful with ourselves, our precious lives? Where can we take more care?
There was a time in my life that careful sounded boring to me. It sounded like a very bleak, insipid existence, tiptoeing around the world trying not to hurt anyone's feelings, muted or muffled somehow. I now see that this is a very immature way of looking at being careful, and frankly a sloppy way to live.
Being careful is a gift.
If we are careful with ourselves, we will be careful with others. If we are careful with our possessions, they last longer, so the same goes for our relationships -- even the relationship with ourselves and our higher power.
On the other hand, carefree can indicate comfort, easiness, wellness. Here I believe 'care' means something different. Here care means worry and stress. When I am free from these things, I easily experience a sense of bliss and joy.
Carefully carefree... this is the goal, yes?
Words are maps, but certainly not the territory.
Take a listen to my song "One Step" to better understand the New Thought journey, a way to take the reigns of your life and claim freedom.
On this Valentine's Day, maybe think carefully about what would make your partner feel loved. If you are single, think about what would make you feel loved, and carefully execute a fabulous day of self-care for yourself. You deserve it!
Take care!