the "narrow bandwidth of language"

I recently heard Tom Bilyeu mention that journaling is beneficial because it forces you to compress and articulate your thoughts within your "narrow bandwidth of language." He notes that humans can only see 0.0035% of the full range of colors that exist, and that language similarly makes up a small percentage of what actually goes on in our heads. This recommendation of journaling followed an example of how speakers of languages with more words for different color shades can visually recognize more color variations. I found a recent article on this topic that's fascinating. In general, research shows that people with a wider vocabulary on a given topic can better recognize and understand its different patterns.

Professions like ghostwriting wouldn't exist if being articulate automatically meant being able to perform certain tasks, but both the cathartic and practical benefits of thoughtful writing are undeniable. In addition to word choice being meaningful, specific types of language, tonality, and intonation trigger prescribed responses in people.

In foreign language learning communities, it's often said that dreaming in the target language is a big milestone for students. I remember first dreaming in a foreign language, and I'm not inclined to assume that the dreams were "in the other language" simply because of what was said or heard...rather, I also sensed that certain actions were different than my usual "American" dreams. In American culture, for example, people stand farther apart than in other cultures, and people talking to me in my "new dreams" were suddenly much closer to my face.

Behavior shapes language, and vice versa. While speaking is an important part of language, writing is the better form of communication to practice because there's less interference from external factors with the intended messaging.

My goal, since I started writing online and sending out these newsletters, has been to provide some level of value and entertainment, sharing observations and experiences that I think will benefit others. However, I selfishly continue to broadcast my writing also because I personally benefit from it. After sitting down for more than ten minutes of focused writing, I feel different — there's more clarity and less negative emotion. Letting others read what I write allows for feedback and perhaps some positive influence.

So I'll leave you with this: if you haven't written in a while, do some writing. If you're willing to send it to me while saying 'hello,' that would be awesome — I read all of the replies I get.

Until next week, my friends.

-Thomas