The essence of our lives is made real by the language we use.
We have the choice of using the default language of the world or we can embrace the language of purpose and the power it brings to our lives.
Let’s explore what that means together by going deeper into an ancient word that describes circumstances before light came into the world.
Tohubohu
Audio narration by David Marlow
Definition.
The first use of Tohubohu dates back to the earliest stories of creation in Jewish and Christian traditions.
The literal translation is chaos, formless, a void, without light.
The first English translation is: “without form, and void” refering to the Earth before God created light as described in Genesis.
The Choice is Between an Integrated Self and Disintegration.
Language holds remarkable power in shaping how we perceive and navigate the world.
It serves as a channel between our thoughts, experiences, and the reality we inhabit.
When we confine ourselves to the default language of the world, our understanding becomes mired in disintegration and chaos.
It is a language devoid of purpose, where meaning is elusive, and the sense of connection fades into the abyss of tohubohu.
There exists an alternative, a language that illuminates the path toward integration and fulfillment. That is the language of purpose.
By embracing this language, we can transcend the default inviting clarity, harmony, and boundless possibilities into our lives.
Disintegration.
The default language of the world is disintegration. Not being an integrated self or person.
In other words, disintegration.
When we embrace the default language of the world we are living in the time of tohubohu. The time before light when there is chaos and a lack of connection to meaning.
That can range from lacking meaning, disintegrating, or experiencing burnout like your life or gifts are wasted away, misused, or consumed.
To living an okay life and thinking ‘good’ is simply the absence of bad.
Integration.
Applying the language of purpose.
To extend the metaphor think about the early world of creation, full of potential while also filled with chaos and utter confusion.
Then light hits the scene and suddenly the possible is made real.
Our lives can be like that as well when we embrace the language of purpose.
What is the opposite of tohubohu? What are the words of purpose?
Application.
🌀Ikigai is experiencing your essence and purpose in harmony with everything you do.
I recall a time in my life when I had no idea what I should be doing, where I was going, or why I was even here.
Those were dark days.
Then came the light of purpose and I passed from the disintegrating world of tohubohu to one of possibilities and promise.
🌀 Spend some time on the words of ‘purpose’ listed above.
🌱 What is one small thing you could do today to embrace the language of purpose?
🌱 How might you bring peace, harmony, or success into your life?
🌱 Remember: Every day is a fresh start.
I went to Tohubohu once and stayed in a Days Inn.
Believing that every day is a fresh start. That's radical!