Yogic philosophy treats words as divine. According to Yoga, every word that we utter is just not a communication, but the vibration of the inner reality. Neuroscience also echoes that language patterns make physical changes into the neural circuits of the brain. Speech impacts our brain by activating networks of emotions, memories ,and intentions. Repeated speech strengthens these networks through neuroplasticity. According to neuroplasticity, our brain is constantly getting rewired through experiences and repetitive behavior.

 

Thus ,every word is a tool to reshape the brain. Yoga has propounded the concept of Vak Shakti, the power of speech. According to this concept, words carry Pranic energy. When harsh, anxious, and fearful words are uttered, the Pranic energy gets distorted. On the contrary, calm, truthful, and positive words harmonize the patterns of the Pranic energy. This energetic shift directly influences nervous systems.

 

Neuroscience supports this postulate by stating that positive language reduces stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Neuroscientific studies have proven that words of gratitude and compassion activate the prefrontal cortex which is the region of clarity, judgment, and emotional balance. On the other hand, negative words generate fear , reactivity, impulsiveness, and emotional turbulence. In this way, Yogic philosophy about mindful speech very well aligns with the brain science. Yoga believes that speech arises from the deeper layers of consciousness.

 

There are four levels of speech - Para, Pashyanti, Madhyama, and Vaikhari. Para is the silent intention. Pashyanti is the subtle image. Madhyama is the internal word and Vaikhari is the spoken sound. Modern neuroscience also accepts that there are internal to external pathways of speech which are subtle and intricate. First, the brain forms a thought, secondly, converts it into a linguistic structure, and finally generates the speech.

 

Thus, words start much before they leave the lips. Speech arises from the subconscious which is the storehouse of beliefs, emotions, and memories. So, cleansing the speech needs inner cleansing. Yoga has prescribed many techniques and tools to purify the speech. Mantras, mindful silence and truthful expressions are the instruments of speech cleansing. Mantras are not mere sounds, but neuropsychological tools to rewire the brain. Mantra chanting with rhythmic breathing produces vibrational resonance.

 

This vibrational resonance activates the vagus nerve which helps in calming down the nervous systems. Research has found that slow and steady chanting synchronises neural oscillations, leading to the coherence of both the hemispheres of the brain. Neuroscience has attached great importance to affirmations. Studies have found that affirmations empower the words, and the brain builds new circuits. Affirmations influence perceptions, behavior, and decision making. Over a period of time these affirmations change the trajectory of life, and sculpts new destiny. This is the same as the theory of Sankalpa Shakti propounded by Yoga.

 

 

Mindful speech connected to breath calms the neural circuits of the brain. Neuroscience has proved that slow exhalation regulates the nervous system, and reduces impulsive speech. Breathing practices refine speech and words. Speech impacts our relationship, confidence, and performance. Words can heal and harm, elevate and diminish, create hopes ,and trigger fears. The brain adapts to what it hears. Speech mirrors our character. Thus, words spoken with awareness, and understanding create healthy neural networks in the brain. Every word is a seed planted in the soil of the brain. (The writer is Former DG Police & CG, Homeguards, Maharashtra)