Language Of The Inner World

We have this way of talking, and we have another.
Apart from what we wish and what we fear may happen,
We are alive with other life, as clear stones
Take form in the mountain. ~ Rumi

Rumi speaks here about two layers of communication. When we talk about everyday occurrences, full of facts, observations, opinions, details of what we like and what we fear, most of us don’t find that terribly difficult. We’ve been taught how to do this since childhood, beginning with memorizing the names of things. It can be comfortable and reassuring to chat about the weather, other people, or current events. This is the first layer.

We can never obtain peace in the world if we neglect the inner world and don’t make peace with ourselves. ~ Dalai Lama

However, when we enter the realm of human feelings, emotions, and spirituality – our inner world – ordinary language falls short of precision. It quickly becomes obvious that we don’t share a common spoken language, although we may easily intuit meaning through music, symbols, or other visual images. We’re like a fine artist without tools. To reach even basic understandings with someone else when we talk about our interior life, it’s often necessary to start by defining terms.

So how do we acquire the skills to learn this second language and effectively convey what is deepest in our hearts?

By reading and studying great poetry and writing. By learning from masters who have formed verbal pathways to understanding. By sharing these with those we love so that together we will see the clear stones take form in the mountain. And by listening to the still, soft voice that has always been our constant companion.

Tagged as: communication, Dalai Lama, Rumi