Most of us desire to have the ability to develop and nurture deep personal relationships. This requires that we be able to clearly communicate our thoughts and feelings which in turn requires self-knowledge and self-awareness. When we can name what is happening in the moment between two people, explain it, articulate it, i.e. “Say the Thing” honestly and accurately, and be directly transparent to another, our authenticity builds trust and facilitates intimacy.

“Say the Thing” is a rule from improv theater that means “speak the truth of the moment”, openly express what you are feeling, be willing to put it out there. Immediacy skill is a phrase from counseling about the ability to plainly, clearly vocalize the here and now of the moment. Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom for the more you know yourself, the more clarity there is to share.

Closing Quotes:

“Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” – Rudyard Kipling, 1865-1836

“Of all the life skills available to us, communication is perhaps the most empowering.” – Bret Morrison, 1912-1966, radio voice/actor

“If most of us remain ignorant of ourselves, it is because self-knowledge is painful and we prefer the pleasures of illusion.” – Aldous Huxley, 1894-1966, ‘Brave New World’

As always, I share what I most want and need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier