One spanish term one hardly ever learns in school but is among the most frequently used in daily life, is the expression «vale». People use it in the same way as people in English speaking countries (and others) would say « OK «.

As I am always curious and have my third ear open for hidden symbolic phenomena I meet on my way through Life, it suddenly occured to me how wonder-full of an expression this simple «vale» is.

«Vale» comes from the same etymological roots as the english word «value». Which means in linguistic practise that people in Spain each time theu say «vale» affirm:

the value in what the other expresses (« I value what you are saying»)
the worth of the other human being (« I value who you are»)

Even though this happens primarily on an unconsiously level in everyday conversation, I am sure, I find it to be a beautiful way of affirming the other and his/her set of values.This is especially true as I see in my work how fundamental the theme of Value of Self and Other is. In reality it seems that very, very few people are capable valueing themselves and – in logical consequence- incapable of valueing others and their values.

Thus it might be valuable ritual to practice saying (and meaning, too) to your Self and the other: VALE !

As I am writing this on the beach and the sun has been gracefully filling up my vitamin D reservoirs I now am inclined to follow the call of the Sea and take a dip. Tune in again next week,