Words have always held a deep significance for me. They feel solid, as if they could exist somewhere tangible, stacked on shelves, crammed into corners, carried in pockets. It’s like they have always been there, existing before we ever spoke them. Lingering, waiting to be thought of, or felt or acted upon.
More Than Words
This may seem strange, however hopefully most of us can agree that some words are weightier than others. Some stick, some lift, some stew, some seem to light a fire.
Take a blessing, for example. It’s not just a polite compliment or a casual “hope things go well.” It’s something more, words that align with your life, that land deep, that feel like they were meant just for you. Someone looks at you, really sees you, and speaks with intention. And when they do, your shoulders drop, your breath steadies, something inside you loosens.
It’s not just sentiment. It’s biology. It’s wiring. It’s real. Science confirms what people across cultures and faiths have always known: Words don’t just describe reality. They shape it.
Blessing is Bigger Than Religion
Nearly every tradition, from ancient to modern, recognises the power of words. Jewish & Christian traditions speak of blessings as something that imparts favor, protection, and purpose. Islamic culture emphasises barakah, or divine blessing, spoken over people and situations. Hinduism & Buddhism use mantras and prayers to invoke well-being and alignment. Indigenouscultures see words as energy, spoken to heal, protect, and call things into being. Even in non-religious spaces, people offer words of encouragement and affirmation.
The common thread? Words carry weight. Science proves it.
The Biology of a Blessing: What Happens in the Brain & Body?
A blessing isn’t just nice to hear. It creates real, measurable changes in the brain and nervous system. This is what I’ve learnt.
Words Reshape the Brain
Research by Dr. Andrew Newberg (neuroscientist) found that hearing positive words activates brain regions tied to motivation and emotional resilience. Words of blessing stimulate the prefrontal cortex, this is the part of the brain responsible for planning, hope, and higher thinking.
Spoken Encouragement Changes Heart Rhythms
The HeartMath Institute found that words of encouragement stabilise heart rate, lower blood pressure, and increase emotional regulation. When we hear a blessing, our nervous system shifts from stress mode to rest mode, making healing and clear thinking more accessible. Pretty cool hey.Words Affect Us at a Cellular Level
Studies in epigenetics ( I had to look that word up, basically it’s like a set of instructions that tell your genes how to work) suggest that spoken words influence gene expression, immune function, and inflammation levels. Dr. Bruce Lipton’s research shows that what we speak and hear alters the signals our cells receive.
Simply put? A blessing is not just psychological. It’s biological.
What Happens When You Speak a Blessing Over Someone Else?
When you speak life giving words over another person, two things happen: Firstly, they experience all the physiological benefits above, lower stress, better emotional regulation, increased clarity.
Secondly, you do too. That’s right. The giver of the blessing receives the blessing.
Studies show that when we encourage others, our own oxytocin (bonding hormone) increases. Empathy circuits in the brain light up, creating a deeper sense of connection. We shift from self-focus to outward generosity, which research shows increases overall happiness and well-being.
Blessing someone else is one of the fastest ways to reset your own nervous system, increase resilience, and change the atmosphere around you.
How to Receive Good Words
If you struggle to accept good words spoken to you, you’re not alone. Many people deflect encouragement, downplay compliments, or feel undeserving. But here’s the truth: A blessing is not earned. It’s received.
The best way to get better at receiving is to rehearse, to make a conscious decision beforehand not to brush off or downplay encouragement and well wishes from others.
Let’s practice now. Take these words into your heart.
A Blessing for You
‘May confusion be replaced with clarity.
May strength rise in you, even if you can’t feel it yet.
May the weight you’ve been carrying shift, if only a little.
May you perceive unearned kindness. May joy and peace, hope and love fill your heart, head and home.’
Receive that. Let that land. And when you’re ready, speak a blessing over someone else knowing that words don’t just sit in the air. They move. They create. They carry ideas. They connect us.
