The Wellness Lawyer: “ABRACADABRA”

Seeing the title of this article, you may all think that maybe I am made a mistake regarding the topic. However, please let me assure you that this is not a mistake and with your indulgence, I will explain.

When my youngest child was a toddler, I had a hard time teaching her to say “thank you.”

Every time I would give her something and then ask: “what’s the magic word?” she would respond “abracadabra.”

This was quite funny, but I had to maintain my serious mom face as I did not want to raise a person who was not polite.

What I did not know at the time, is that my child was far more intuitive and intelligent than me.

I recently found out that the word abracadabra comes from ancient Aramaic, which means “I create as I speak.” We have all been taught to watch what we say or how we say things as words can be a balm on the soul or a knife in the heart.

As I had written in previous articles, after Covid lockdowns, most people are still feeling a great deal of stress, anxiety, sadness, frustration, and overall heaviness. Peace, happiness and calm seem to be transient and the default is feelings that are heavy and sad.

There are many techniques to move from negativity to positivity, and I had written about them in the past. However, in an effort to keep things light and easy to digest, I thought of one simple thing that we can all do to move from a negative state to a positive one, and at the same time make this world a little better for others.

The technique is simply to be mindful of our words. Before you say something, I invite you to take a short pause and ask yourselves whether what you are about to say, will add light and happiness to the audience and the world at large. If not, then maybe consider not saying it, or phrasing it in a different way.

As my child intuitively knew, words are magic. They have the power to uplift and create beauty, or destroy and create darkness.

As lawyers, words are an intrinsic part of our work. We make court submissions, write opinion letters, create contracts, and write decisions. We are the magicians of the professional world, as the manner in which we use our words has overreaching effects on those with whom we interact.

Saying something to a client that may not be in their favour, takes the negative charge away, when we use words of empathy and kindness. The person may not be happy, but they feel heard and understood. That to me is magic.

So next time you feel upset or angry, pause and say ABRACADABRA. Then take a breath and allow your words to uplift you and the world at large.

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Disclaimer

The information in this article is not therapy, counseling, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, mental health care/treatment, substance abuse care/ treatment, nor is it medical, psychological, mental health advice or treatment, or any other professional advice.

The information in this article is for information purposes only, and is not to be used as a substitute for therapy, counseling, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, mental health care, medical care, or any other professional advice by legal, medical or other qualified professionals.

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If you feel that you may need medical or other professional help, please contact your doctor or call 911 if it is an emergency.