Interpretation

The human language can be incredibly complicated. An apt example at this wintery time of year is the oral concept of snow. It is understood the Inuits have over 50 words for arctic conditions, and the Russians have 70. The Scots are said to have over 400!

If you read the word saw, what would instantly come to mind, without any other context? Sight? A view? A tool for cutting?

What if you heard it spoken? Might you imagine a cut on someone’s finger or lip?

Context is everything to our understanding of others and even then, it can be a minefield! We have preconceived ideas, expectations and our own interpretations which can colour the meaning behind another’s words, so although we need words to communicate, they can be a hindrance.

We do possess other forms of communication, which we can develop so that we are not relying on words alone.

But along with this, we can deliberately turn things on their heads, look at the opposite of what is really meant, try and view it from another angle – by which we are keeping our perspective fresh, letting go of expectation and opening ourselves up to possibilities and thoughts beyond our every day.

Through this we can attain a greater degree of freedom.