“If we want to support each other’s inner lives, we must remember a simple truth: the human soul does not want to be fixed, it wants to be seen and heard.” – Parker J. Palmer
 

We all do it…We are in a conversation with someone and instead of listening to what the other person is saying, we are trying to figure out our reply or the question to ask and even the advice to give. By doing this, we miss the opportunity to truly listen to someone with our heart. 

Physician and author Rachel Naomi Remen says, ” I suspect the most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention…When people are talking, there’s no need to do anything but receive them.”

How would our conversations change if we allowed for a time of heartfelt listening? I imagine there would be more silence between speakers and the possibility of people really being heard. With all the constant communication going on in our world, a lone person’s voice can get lost easily. This is why it is a wonderful gift to stop and really listen to another person without any agendas or judgement, only compassion. 

This type of listening is where souls meet.
 

Peace & Grace,
Rev. Laura

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