What’s in a Name?

Naming produces clarity by defining our agreements and defining boundaries. A boundary is a healthy energetic limit. For instance, the power of the sun brings life to this planet, but if you get too close to this energy source you burn up. Since people are also energy sources boundaries are necessary. Without appropriate boundaries you can get burned up by the energy of others or they can suck you dry of your energy. Naming sets up our agreements and our limits.

These agreements and boundaries get created whether Naming is conscious or unconscious. We frequently name without awareness. This occurs in something as every day as a job description. A job description is a name. Job descriptions define what we are to accomplish working at a particular job. It gives the agreements of the work place. By defining the agreements job descriptions add clarity not only for the employee, but also the employer. Because a jo b description is a name, it is also both an agreement and a boundary. Just as agreements and boundaries can show you the path of growth, they can also show you your chosen limitations. A job description explains what you are required to do to get compensated, but a job description also tells you how far you can advance in the particular position.

Naming can occur as a verbal action or you can accomplish it symbolically in your mind. In reality, most of our naming process goes on in our heads. Maybe it is because of this non-verbalization that we tend to unconsciously name so many things. It really doesn’t matter if you speak your naming or if you think your naming either manner is creatively potent. What matters is the level of consciousness and awareness sitting behind the name.

Naming works in both a past and future direction. Naming not only shows you what you have agreed to create, but also what you are agreeing to create. The first agreement we have is the name that our parents give us. How much do you know about your name? If you believe that your name doesn’t mean anything then are you seeing the connectedness of everything?

As part of the original form of my workshop, a personal renaming ritual existed. I would literally have participants search through name books to choose another name for themselves. Naming rituals and the power of a name goes back to ancient times. In some cultures, the Art of Onomancy (naming) is still revered.

In the Hawaiian culture, the concept of language and name is exceedingly important. The language of Hawaii is filled with life. In fact one of their most important syllables is that of “ha”. “Ha” means breath, to breathe means to have life. The presence of the syllable “ha” breathes life into what ever word in which it is present. For example, O’hana means more than just family; it is living and breathing family. Mahalo is more than just “thank you” it is living and breathing gratitude. Aloha is more than just love, peace, harmony, community, it is a living and breathing welcome to share one’s life energy. This importance of language carries over into choosing a child’s name. In the Hawaiian culture choosing a name is considered choosing a part of that child’s destiny. It is believed that the child’s name will exhibit his/her attributes and shortcomings. It shows what the child will have to learn to temper and what he or she can build upon as a strength.

There are hidden and secret meanings in names as well as literal meanings. In T.S. Elliott’s inspiring work from which the musical, “Cats” was derived, the naming of cats is a significant and imperative event. According to this work, cats have three different names, an everyday name, a formal name and a secret name. In the Quaballah, although God’s name is not necessarily secret, it is the most sacred tool of creation. In fact, God’s name is so sacred and powerful a creation tool that in ancient times God’s name was not spoken fully. As in the Hawaiian culture, it is believed that the Hebrew alphabet holds the power of creation. It is believed that God exists in all letters of the Quballah. The act of speaking God’s name brings something into existence.

The power of Naming is present not only in the Buddhist Tradition, the Quballah, Native Cultural traditions, but is also seen in the Christian Religion and the metaphysical Christian perspective. The bible begins with “in the beginning was the word and the word was with God” according to the bible, the whole thing started by God Naming things into existence. In metaphysics, one can see this theme carried out throughout the bible. From metaphysics it is known that Boaz means “voice” and is representative of the creative word or “Logos” of God. The bible consistently alludes to the importance of names. The angel says to Jacob, "Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel."

Being conscious of the name you give to the “stuff” of your life allows for clarity. It provides you with a means to see your agreements. This clarity allows you to be responsible for those agreements and to own your power. By owning your power, you can create the life you desire.

                                                                                    
                                                                                           Michelle L. McClellan, Psy.D. ©