Choke Quote by Elizabeth Gilbert
““The Yogic sages say that all the pain of a human life is caused by words, as is all the joy. We create words to define our experience and those words bring attendant emotions that jerk us around like dogs on a leash. We get seduced by our own mantras (I['m a failure... I'm lonely... I'm a failure... I'm lonely...) and we become monuments to them. To stop talking for a while, then, is to attempt to strip away the power of words, to top choking ourselves with words, to liberate ourselves from our suffocating mantras.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Moth Storytelling Podcast, 2015
Words shape our perception and emotions, often trapping us in self‑imposed narratives that cause suffering or joy.
In simple terms: Words control feelings and thoughts.
Key Takeaway
Pause and observe your inner dialogue.
Themes
self‑awareness
language
mindfulness
emotional health
personal growth
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- daily meditation
- creative writing
- conflict resolution
- stress management
Key Concepts
cognitive framing
self‑talk
psychological conditioning
Questions to Reflect On
- How do your recurring phrases affect your mood?
- What would happen if you let go of a limiting mantra?
A Different Perspective
Silencing words alone won’t heal underlying issues; deeper work may be needed.
![“And while [we] do have possibilities that are vast and magnificent and almost infinite in scope, it's important to remember that our choice-rich lives have the potential to breed their own brand of trouble. We are susceptible to emotional uncertainties and neuroses that are probably not very…” quote by Elizabeth Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7fb/elizabeth-gilbert-131_choice_and-while-we-do-have-possibilities-that_30637.jpg)
