Stop Calling It “Woo-Woo”: The Words We Use Are Keeping Misconceptions Alive
As I sat here on my blanket by the water, journaling…this reflection came…and yet, some would even consider this “woo-woo”…
Why Are We Still Calling Holistic Practices
“Woo-Woo”?
I have a request for my fellow holistic practitioners, transformational guides, and really, all of us:
Please stop calling this work “woo” and “woo-woo”.
I know—Some people love the word.
It's used jokingly, affectionately, sometimes even proudly by the very people doing this work…
However, if we want perceptions of holistic practices to change, we have to consider the language we are using to describe them because words matter.
The Heart Speaks
One of the principles I teach through the Path of the Heart is that The Heart Speaks.
Our words don't simply describe the world around us: They help shape our reality.
So what reality are we creating when we call breathwork “woo”? When trusting your gut/intuition becomes “woo-woo”? When practices involving energy, meditation, embodiment, spirituality, connection with nature, or inner knowing are placed underneath a label that can make them seem less credible or serious?
And perhaps more importantly:
Why are we continuing to use language that diminishes the very work we're asking people to take seriously?
Every time we use these words, even lightheartedly, we risk perpetuating the misconceptions we say we want to change.
What If This Is Simply Part of Being Human?
…because it is…
We are living in a time of profound disconnection.
Disconnection from ourselves.
From one another, our bodies, nature…
From our own inner knowing.
Yet many of the practices that help us reconnect with these parts of ourselves are still being treated as somehow outside of the “normal” human experience.
…when in fact the connection within us IS a part of our full human experience!
What if breathing intentionally is simply breathing intentionally? …because it is.
What if listening to your intuition (your heart) is part of learning to listen to yourself? …because it is.
What if noticing an eagle flying overhead at the exact moment you're speaking about something meaningful doesn't require a label at all? …because it just is as it is a part of the full experience.
Maybe it simply means you noticed…Maybe it meant something to you.
Perhaps allowing ourselves to experience those moments—without immediately dismissing or diminishing them—is part of living more fully…because it is!
This isn't attached to any particular spiritual belief—It's about making space for the fullness of our human experience.
We Get to Change the Language
The beauty of this invitation to action is that we get to change the language — Using “woo-woo” became a habit that is ready to be changed.
This has become a really deep learned societal behavior and habit; however, as a transformational guide and former special educator, the same kind of teaching approaches to change behavior can apply here, too. The behavior change comes from explicitly teaching, educating in the moment, modeling the skill, embodying into your life, ongoing practice, feedback, and advocacy. For those of us working as holistic practitioners, guides, teachers, healers, coaches, and facilitators with the world as our classroom—we are participating in educating every time we share about what we do.
That means our language matters.
If we want holistic practices to be understood differently, we have an opportunity—and perhaps a responsibility—to stop reinforcing the language that keeps old misconceptions alive.
So here's my invitation:
The next time you're about to call something “woo” or “woo-woo,” pause.
Ask yourself:
What am I actually describing?
Connection?
Intuition?
Energy?
Presence?
Meaning?
Awareness?
A natural way of being?
Then call it that. Name it for what it is, or find a way that is accessible for someone to understand besides “woo-woo”.
Because this work isn't “woo-woo”—much of this work has research, science, centuries of historical practices, and so much more depth. And yes, even some things that are beyond our comprehension because that is the very thing that can only be experienced within as a human. This is what makes us HUMAN, especially in a world driven by AI or façades—our inner and outer connection is our value.
Instead, see this as an invitation to remember what it means to be a fully connected human BEing.
If we want the perception to change, we can begin by changing the words we use to create it.
Invitational Reflection:
Notice when you want to use the word “woo-woo”:
Who are you with?
Why are you feeling called to use the phrase?
What emotions are you feeling at that time?
What are you not saying when you choose to use “woo-woo”?
What becomes the result by saying “woo-woo”? What was the outcome?
What can you say instead?
How can you educate and advocate for a more aligned language choice?
The words you share shape the reality you live…what are you creating?
Are you committing to change your language? I would love to hear your experiences, reflections, and well as opinions about “woo-woo”. Feel free to share:
The Butterfly Within Me Sees, Honors, and Values The Butterfly Within You,
