I still remember a brief encounter I had on the deck of a dining hall one busy summer when I was in charge of directing a camp of a hundred 3rd and 4th graders for the week. There were a few other guest camp directors that week for different ages, and we were each busy coordinating programs and activities with the staff and campers.
During a break one day, I stood overlooking the lake, taking in the beauty from the deck. Another director joined me there with his mug of coffee. We had met in passing earlier and now had a few minutes to chat.
I don’t remember the content of our conversation, but I clearly remember the quality. Specifically, he took the time to listen. Looked me in the eyes. Asked gentle questions. It was so unexpected in the busy rush of the setting of a camp – or, truthfully – most any setting.
I know it sounds simple, but it was an experience that brought home to me the power of listening. I felt truly heard. Most people, I noticed, listened distractedly, ready to offer opinions and advice as soon as I finished a sentence – or even before I’d finished. Maybe you’ve experienced the same thing.
Have you ever had an experience where someone simply was WITH you, not jumping in to “fix,” offer advice, or tell you about a similar thing that happened to them?
Who has witnessed your soul lately?
What if one of the most powerful things we can do for one another is to be fully present to someone in their words as well as their silence?
Being in a space of true listening is golden. Because I’ve witnessed the transformational power of listening, I’ve cultivated this in myself as a gift I offer others. I listen beyond the words and feel into the energies at play in a person’s life, business, and relationships.
There’s healing power in the beautiful spaciousness of listening – power to transform your questions, hurts, fears, and old beliefs.
Let’s keep the conversation going
Have you had an experience of feeling truly heard and witnessed in your authenticity? Do you practice deep listening? Share in the comments – I’d love to hear!
About Manda
Manda Stack is an intuitive coach and energy clearing specialist who helps women navigate powerful life transitions with clarity and courage. Having guided over 500 people through life’s biggest changes, she brings a deeply intuitive, grounded approach that empowers women to reconnect with their inner truth and move forward with confidence, freedom, and purpose. Click here for more information.
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