What’s in a word?

A lot, as it turns out. Do you have a favorite? Or a favourite way to spell certain words? As you’re thinking about it, one of mine is in action – mentalese.

Mentalese is the language of the mind, but I think of it also as a place because when we think about what we are thinking about we create a reflective observatory within ourselves. Here, all the words taken for granted and all the passing thoughts flitting by faster than the speed of sound are played back in slow motion.

Actively listening to our mentalese can be a hazardous perspective, so as you think about what you’re thinking about, remember that it is also a sanctuary. Honesty, sincerity, trust and tolerance are the cornerstones of this space through which we learn to accept ourselves with a deeper comprehension of just who this self is. “Unconditional” is the bonus word of the day here. While you may discover intrusive thoughts, know that thoughts are merely processes. We need all kinds if we are to build a sense of morality. Exploring them in this sanctuary does not mean you will act on them. And if you find a monster, it is probably better to leave it in its natural habitat – trying to dissociate from it will certainly have consequences. Who knows, they might even have some great ideas for your next project!

I think practicing this type of active listening improves the clarity of the thoughts we convey to others. Since I think in visual metaphors, I find being tuned into my mentalese helps me create with less need for translation. There is a better connection between the abstract and the concrete that improves how I convey meaning without overworking a poem. There is an intuitive exercise at play here that has helped me explore stray thoughts (more rabbit warren than hole) without getting lost. I think this gives me a unique vantage when providing feedback on others’ work as well.

No doubt there is something to be said about brain plasticity and creating new neural pathways here, but for now let’s just say learning is healthy!

As you can tell, I have manifested my mentalese into this site. …Does that mean I digitized my semiconsciousness?? The more I think about it, the more a dark space with flickering shadows from a fire whose heat refracts light and reason makes perfect sense. Not unlike Plato’s allegory of the Cave, but the sole prisoner is my monster – a paradoxical Kantian pantheist called “Redde”. Perhaps for their auric glow…

What does your mentalese sound and/or look like to you?