So much of the information that comes to us during a given day is negative, directly or indirectly. Our news programming, TV shows, streaming content and even our advertising often contains less positive and more negative,
Can we counteract this? I believe we can. I’ve discovered a fun way to help us open our minds to the positive that is all around us. I call this fun technique ‘Word Flooding.’
Here’s how it works. Grab a pad of paper, a pen, and a dictionary. Now pick a word to start your ‘word flood.’ Choose a positive word that means something to you or has been used to describe you in a positive way. For example, if your boss wrote in your employee review that you are dependable, start with that word. Simply write the word “dependable” in the center of a piece of paper. Then look up dependable in the dictionary. I use a dictionary app on my tablet as it allows me move between different definitions quickly. But any dictionary will do.
This practice of word flooding opens the mind to connections, possibilities, and potentials.
I see that the summary definition of dependable is “able to be trusted to do or provide what is needed: able to be depended upon.” So, on my piece of paper, next to the word “dependable,” I’ll write” trusted.” Then I might spin the paper and write at an angle the word “able” and then after another twist of the page the word “provide.” Then I’ll move on to the full definition where I find the words, “capable” and “reliable.” I’ll write these words as well. Then I skip to the synonyms further down the page where I find the words: “calcuable, good, responsible, safe, secure, solid, steady, sure, tried, true, trustable, trustworthy, and trusty.” I’ll write each of these as I turn the page, fitting them in where I can in no particular order or pattern.
As I’ve been writing, I’ve noticed different ideas that come to my mind, recognizing what it is about me that might fit each of these words related to the original word that I jotted down–“dependable.” I recall times someone has commented on something good I have done, or when I have been reliable. I like the word safe and secure. I know my wife feels that way when she is with me because she has told me so. Writing it as part of my ‘word flood’ has reminded me of this. With each word I write, my mind naturally touches on how I fit that ideal or how I might increase a related trait within myself.
When I’m done with the definition of dependable, I’ll pick one of the words I’ve found in its definition and look it up. This time I’ll pick “trusted.” Now I’ll look that up. I’ll add any new words I find there to my word flood. For example, I see honest. effective, managed, assured, character, ability, strength, truth, confidence, contingent, hope, duty, faith, care, custody, trustee, credence, entrust and more. I’ll add each of these and as I do so I’ll let me mind rest for just a moment on there applicability to me or my desire to have each apply to me.
Because my page is still not full, I can choose a word from the definition of trusted or I can go back to dependable and choose another there. I’ll keep going until my page is crammed full. I like to save these pages and even review them and remember how I felt as I created each word flood.
This practice of word flooding opens the mind to connections, possibilities, and potentials. After taking 10 minutes or so to do this, I’ll have a number of ideas about how I can continue to show dependability and ideas about new ways to be trusted, reliable, or some other connected variation of dependable. What a positive boost this provides. It is easy and even quick to do.
I’ve also found that I can ‘word flood’ about more than just compliments someone has given me. I’ve chosen a word from scripture as I have read and studied. As I’ve followed the definitions, writing the words I find, I notice that my mind opens regarding what that original word means. My mind then naturally begins connecting other ideas that I have found in the scriptures.
I’ve also tried word flooding in relation to another person. perhaps even a person whom I struggle to see in a positive rather than a negative light. To start i only need one positive word. My attitude about this person naturally shifts towards the positive when I do this. I may not think of this person as my best friend after one word flood, but I do notice more of their positive points which definitely upgrades my thinking. By the way, if you are wanting to find a way to compliment someone you love in new supporting, and uplifting ways, try word flooding about them. I promise you’ll find ways to help the person you love open their positive mind about themselves.
This week, the young mens group at my church is focusing on the quality or virtue of confidence. As a group, we want to learn how to be more confident, especially in doing good. So, I word flooded the word confidence. I came up with really cool connections and my mind is opened to ways I can be confident that I haven’t thought about before. I recorded my word flood on confidence and then sped it up a bit to show you how easy it is. Check out the video below to see how it’s done.
I hope you’ll give word flooding a try. If you do you’ll open your positive mind to new ways of seeing yourself, others, the scriptures and more in new and very amazing ways. If you try it, be sure to come back and leave a comment about the positive things you find! Happy word flooding!