Communicating with the Body

 

body language - noun - the process of communicating nonverbally through conscious or unconscious gestures and movements (Google)

So much of human communication is in the form of body language. So much can be said sans any words at all. Unfortunately, technology has seemingly mitigated the necessity of body language.  COVID related or not, a few no longer make the effort to see loved ones who are at a distance, preferring to keep in touch via texts, email, quick calls that can often be misunderstood or misinterpreted as body language, the most earnest communicator, is kept prisoner in a dark closet. Even the visual mediums, such as Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, often do not present us with a complete picture of physicality since some users don't feel comfortable enough to be expressive on camera. When it comes right down to it, none of the video platforms are capable of duplicating the corporeal niceties of the human experience: a vigorous handshake, a warm hug, a comforting hand on a hand, etc. 

For me, the importance of body language cannot be overemphasized as it alone speaks volumes. For example, I love the intimacy of the dance, in particular, the slow dance, yet another social behavior that seems to be waning in the wake of contemporary sound often referred to as "music." At a recent wedding reception (weddings are my life these days), my adult daughter pointed out that the gestures, facial expressions, movements of the bride and groom on the dance floor reveal the extent of and perhaps authenticity of their love. As I listened to her, watched the bride silently stroke the cheek of the groom's face, I agreed wholeheartedly. Really, what would love be without the honest communication of body language? 

I don't know about you, but I hope we never reach the point at which the latest technological invention, the metaverse, replaces actual human communication via body language. Truly, there is nothing like the real thing, and it would be sad indeed if we lost it. 

#word-to-words, #spilled thoughts, #vocabulary, #good advice, #personal essay, #vocabulary, #blogs, #blogging, #entertainment, #books, #literature, #slice of life, #writing, #writing community,  #ReadersMagnet, #life tips