Dear Reader,

Back to sea level. I grew up at sea level—I think our house was maybe 16—or was it 32—feet above sea level? And I’ve lived at or near sea level for most of my adult life—it’s familiar.

But the mountains are beautiful, and you get bubbling creeks and waterfalls, and across valleys, you get beautiful vistas. Maybe there’s a reason we talk about mountaintop experiences.

Recently, I had a different sort of mountaintop experience. Or maybe it was just a hilltop. Nonetheless, coming off of that top was a hard drop. I made an unfortunate communication error. What I thought was an acknowledgment was perceived as a judgement. Ugh.

I thought my intentions were good. And perhaps they were. But they must have also been a bit mixed, because the result felt like judgement. Years ago, a coaching colleague said, The meaning of the message is the message received.” That statement still puzzles me, and I’m not sure I quite agree with it, but I keep chewing on it.

Generally speaking, I have a pretty good idea of what I want to say, and I am usually careful with my wording. As I’m learning, that doesn’t mean that my words will be received the way I expect. In fact, it’s more likely that the recipient will misunderstand me at some level. Only because we all have our own filters—filters for words, emotions, experiences.

One of my friends likes to say, “Words are hard!” Not only is it hard to come up with the right words, but there’s also no guarantee that the right word will be perceived the way you intend.

So, what to do? For me, the lesson is to check my intention. Am I making a judgement by way of this statement? Is my comment solicited, or necessary, or welcome?

I don’t remember where I first heard these questions to ask before speaking: “Is it true? Can I know that it’s true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?”

Clearly, I don’t ask myself these questions every time I speak. But, every now and then, I get a tough reminder that words are powerful, and my intentions need to be checked.

Welcome to sea level. Have all the fun you can!

Reminder: no weekly online Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement lessons until Tuesday, August 18.

In the meantime, you can still schedule private sessions for Feldenkrais, coaching or felt-making. Simply Book an Appointment and we can talk about what you’re most interested in. Or you can reply to this email, and we’ll set up a time to chat.

Watch for details: I’ll be teaching an in-person Feldenkrais mini-retreat and a felt-making workshop—both at the Jung Center of Houston, this fall.