Osho, when talking about relationships, makes the point that “relationship” is a noun, whereas “relating” is a verb.
I understand the importance of our doing words, our actions and choices as represented by the verbs we use. Have a look on this blog for the “A to Z of Becoming”, or read about William Glasser’s “Choice theory” to explore more about the verbs in your life.
Osho adds another interesting element to the importance of understanding the difference between verbs and nouns. He says verbs are uncertain and nouns are an attempt to be certain.
That made me think of the Creation myth where God told Man to name the other creatures and so have “dominion over them”. This element of control is typical of the left hemisphere approach to the world, as described by Iain McGilchrist – it’s a process of “grasping”, getting a handle on, or getting a hold of something.
Nouns describe objects. They turn activities and experiences into things. Things which can be measured, known and controlled.
But Life is a process, not a thing, and living, loving or relating can never be fully known, grasped or controlled.
It can be exciting to let go of the delusions of certainty and to relish with heightened pleasure the living fully in this present moment.
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