The Power of Compassionate Listening

Perhaps the greatest gift we can ever offer another human being is our willingness to be as present and accepting of them as is humanly possible. Doing so costs nothing, except our focused energy and attention. And the social, psychological and emotional implications of not only listening, but also HOW we listen are far greater than most people realize.

Reminiscent of Dr. Carl Rogers, this very simple (yet not necessarily easy) way of being with another has the potential of incredible healing and transformation. In situations where healthy and compassionate connections were not present or where the individual experienced serious attachment trauma(s) in their past, I have found this relational skill perhaps the most important gift I can offer as a therapist.

Invitation for Reflection:
As you move through your moments this next week, notice what happens inside of you and in your relationships when you choose to be fully present in this compassionate way even (or especially) when you are connecting with individuals you otherwise do not agree with or often find yourself triggered by.

• ~Notice what happens to your thoughts and if you are better able to allow your judgements to become less present, even if just a tiny bit.
• ~Notice also how much easier it is for you to more peacefully move on to the next moment, even after conversations where differences are present.
• ~Notice if you respond differently to even your own irrational or less-understood thoughts and emotions within your own mind — finding yourself possibly experiencing even a tiny bit more self-acceptance and love.

Truly, Compassionate Listening is a key for ‪‎kindness‬, transformation and ‪‎love‬…