What Do you Mean?
I don’t have eyes, but I help you see. I don’t have ears, but I help you hear. What am I?
Your voice.
Your voice helps you communicate what you see and hear to others. But how effective is your communication?
Definitions assign meaning—this might seem like a no-brainer, but how many times have you been mid-conversation and realized you and the other person are using the same words with different meanings? It happens to me all the time. Honestly, it’s often the biggest barrier in important conversations.
Socrates, the wisest man of his time, knew this. He famously said, “Η αρχή της σοφίας είναι ο καθορισμός των όρων,” which translates to “The beginning of wisdom is the definition of terms.”
So, does that mean the key to flawless communication is defining all your terms up front? Maybe. That might help with the words —but here’s the thing: words only make up about 7% of what you actually mean.
Communication is ~7% words, 38% tone, and 55% body language — roughly half spoken, half unspoken. So, is telepathy projecting thoughts directly into someone’s mind, or perfectly understanding each other without a single word?
— @healthhivellc on X
That’s a fun question to toss around with friends, but it reveals a deeper truth: If words are just 7%, then most of our communication really is about “how you say it,” not just what you say. My parents always said that growing up, and they were right.
You’ve likely felt it, too: someone says something that shouldn’t sting, but the tone or posture makes it land like a gut punch. That’s the unspoken power of communication.
This isn’t an article about telepathy; it’s about how we connect. Telepathy is just a metaphor to emphasize how much of our communication is nonverbal. And if most communication is unspoken… could other things “speak” to us, like our bodies?
As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I say yes—resoundingly. The body speaks to the conscious mind through sensations.
Mind: Decoding the Unspoken
From a stretch’s wince to a parable’s grace, life’s signals are riddles—and unlocking them frees your mind, body, and spirit. We’re wired to connect: through words, yes, but even more through what’s unsaid—a smile, a sigh, a slump, a shiver.
Some cultures turn this unspoken language into art—consider the quiet depth of a haiku or the layered wisdom of a tribal elder’s proverb. It’s not evasion; it’s poetry. Meaning unfolds with presence and familiarity.
Words lay the groundwork, tone hums the melody, context frames the scene, and body language steals the spotlight.
The better you know the instruments – friends, trades, or yourself – the clearer you hear the song.
A newborn’s cry in the night is a masterclass in this: Is it hunger, discomfort, or loneliness? Science shows mothers decode these cries through instinct sharpened by time. It’s not magic – it’s pattern recognition where words fail.
In my clinic, I see it every day: a patient grimaces during a stretch or tenses during a massage – no words needed to know something's off. The human mind is wired to catch these signals – and yours can, too.
Strengthen it with mental challenges like riddles, debates, or games. Practice complex movements like martial arts or dance. Neuroplasticity thrives when you push its limits, sharpening your perception of life's subtleties.
Body: The Internal Cipher
Your body is a poet, too—whispering truths most miss.
Pain shouts “danger.” Butterflies whisper “nerves.” Euphoria hums “more.”
Your subconscious sends signals to your conscious mind — but often, they get lost in translation.
A knee twinge might mean “slow down.”
A sugar craving could mean “stress,” or “refuel.”
In my practice, I help bridge that gap. Whether through dry needling or joint work, we decode the body's garbled messages and turn them into healing. I’ll never forget my first needling session — left me sore and heavy until I learned it was triggering my parasympathetic system. Now, when patients say “it hurts so good,” I nod. The body’s puzzle is being solved.
Listen closer.
Move with intention—whether it’s yoga, sprinting, shucking, or just a deep stretch.
Rest when your body asks.
Cravings aren’t noise: salty might mean dehydration, sweet could mean fatigue.
You don’t need to be a DPT to start decoding. Ask yourself: What’s this ache or flutter really saying? The answers are there — if you lean in.
Spirit: The Eternal Voice
The spirit speaks softer still—
A nudge from your conscience.
A pull toward truth.
A whisper of what’s right.
Jesus is the Master of this language. He spoke in parables—riddles cloaked in everyday life. Matthew 13:34 (CSB) tells us, “Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables,” fulfilling the prophecy and planting stories that would bloom over time.
Think of the Good Samaritan: mercy explained without a sermon. Or the Prodigal Son: forgiveness expressed in a father’s embrace.
These stories pierce through noise, asking you to listen deeper.
Tune in.
Pray.
Reflect.
Sit with a verse until it speaks back.
The spirit’s poetry isn’t loud — but it’s powerful. And it can guide you through the noise, if you let it.
Crack the Code
Mastering these signals takes practice.
Try this:
Mind: Notice a friend’s slouch? Guess their mood—then ask.
Body: Feel a twinge? Move, stretch, engage. What’s it saying?
Spirit: Read a parable. What resonates? Let it linger.
Don’t just read—respond.
Pick one signal this week. Decode it.
That’s how you get sharp. That’s how you grow.
From a stretch’s wince to a parable’s grace, life is a poetic riddle.
Master its signals—mind honed, body heard, spirit stirred—and you master you. What’s it telling you today?
DISCLAIMER: The content on the blog for Health Hive, LLC is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. The information contained in this blog should not be used to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease or health illness. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Please consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare professional before acting on any information presented here.