What Rumi Can Teach You About The Power Of Words

The words you say are more than just sounds. What you say matters.

I've been thinking about this a lot recently. As a pharmacist, the words I say to patients can make a difference in their lives, if I say the right ones. Whether it's discussing concerns about their medical condition or explaining how to get the best out of their medication, the words I use can influence their thinking and feelings.

I wanted to learn how to use my words more effectively, so I decided to learn from one of the past masters. There's not much people better at using words to their full power as Jalaluddin Rumi. His Masnavi has been read by millions all over the world. It's influence on the world has been powerful. Its influence extends beyond the Islamic world, inspiring poets, philosophers, and artists in both the Eastern and Western world.

So I went looking to see what I could learn from it. Here's 3 things I learnt:

1. "I will soothe you and heal you, I will bring you roses. I too have been covered with thorns"

Words can harm, but they can also heal.

Like me, I'm sure you've felt the sting of thorny words. Sometimes those words come from ourselves.

The power of self talk is something that is underestimated. What you say to yourself matters as much as what you say to others.

A study in 2003 found that self criticism can activate the same area of the brain that's activated during physical pain. So your brain perceives harsh words in the same way experiences an injury. So sticks and stones can break your bones and words will also hurt you.

But the power of words also works the other way round.

Research into pain psychology has shown how reframing thoughts can build resilience in sufferers of chronic pain. Changing thoughts from focusing on how pain is limiting to reframing it as part of a process of growth and recovery helped patients tolerate their pain better.

2. "Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder."

Do you talk with loud, empty words or do you fill your sentences with meaning?

Words can be empty shells or you can fill your sentences with impact. It just depends on your intention.

Your intention influences your words. Your words influence your impact. And your impact can be the difference in nurturing conversations into opportunities to connect or understand. But you don't need to use fancy or eloquent words. It's about trusting your intention to choose simple words and combining them to create understanding with your conversation partner.

Before you start a conversation, make sure that you're clear on the intention. The right intention, with the right words waters conversations into flowers of understanding, where meaning blooms between people.

3. "We are lutes, no more, no less. If the soundbox is stuffed full of anything, no music."

When you fill all the space with words, the listener has no space for thoughts and feelings. They're too busy trying to keep track of what's being said that they can't process the impact of what's being said. They hear you but can't listen to you. You're playing all the right notes, but without the right rhythm, it just becomes noise.

I've been guilty of this too many times. In a rush to say what I'm thinking that all that's heard is noise. There's no understanding. No impact. Just confusion.

You need to learn to use silence to allow space for listening. Learn when to pause. Know when to give space to what's just been said, so contemplation and emotion can fill the space.

This is how your words will have impact.

This journey through Rumi's wisdom reminded me that words are more than just tools-they're bridges.

In a world shaped by noise and division, there's a lot of talking to be heard.

But who's talking to understand?

Words are being used to build walls of hatred that divide us. But Rumi's words show us how words can be used to build connection. Instead of shouting louder, we can choose better words.

When we connect with the right intention, and allow space to listen to what's being said, we can break these walls that divide us and heal the wounds that separate us.