Simply acknowledging someone else's pain or suffering is such a powerful means of support. It lets them know you are listening, you care, and that they matter. When someone we know is suffering, we want to help. For many of us, our initial response is to offer them advice, guidance, or "positive thoughts". Our intention is in the right place, although not nearly as effective as acknowledging their experience. If your goal is to provide help that facilitates a change, I invite you to consider acknowledging them before any other form of support.
The video below is titled "Former Undercover CIA Officer Talks War And Peace." While I was listening and watching, what was loudest to me was how this applies to everyday life, not just foreign wars. What if we listen to their story as a practice we all follow when trying to resolve conflicts with partners, lovers, friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers?
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What are happy couples? What do happy couples do to become happy couples? How do happy couples stay happy couples and not become miserable? Is there a prescription that happy couples follow that others are unaware of? Sort of....
It is hard to know exactly what has created a culture of snooping and stalking in relationships; my gut tells me it has something to do with reality TV shows like The Jersey Shore and The Real Housewives. These shows center around narcissistic people who focus on gossip, competition, and jealousy, which promotes dishonesty and a lack of trust for the people we love in our lives. Social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter help create an environment where honesty, authenticity, and genuine connection are not core values....
It's getting harder and harder to look up and get connected. I am fully aware of just how engaged I am in what happens online and on my iPhone. Where are we going, and what happens if we don't look up and get connected? This is not a critique of anybody's lifestyle because I am part of it, not above it or below it.
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We all know creepy men (and women) in all walks of life. We know a select number of Priests who have molested children. We know there have been Gurus who have manipulated and taken advantage of young female students. We know there are male and female therapists and counselors who have misused their power and connection to coerce clients into having sex with them. Of course, there are all the CEOs and politicians who can't seem to find enough ways to abuse their power. It should not surprise anyone that there are Yoga instructors who misuse and abuse the power they have for sex and exploit Yoga students, should it? Enter the YouTube theatrical video Worst Yoga Teacher Ever. Even with a warning, I flinched a few times during this short, satirical video. Why would we think Yoga Teachers are exempt from foul play?...
There was a time when I used to be the guy who talked more than he listened; that may still be true, but the difference is that I listen today. I do not just hear your words when you speak; I actually listen to you. The difference may seem subtle on the surface; my experience demonstrates that the results are fairly profound. People enjoy being acknowledged and recognized; who doesn’t want the person they are communicating with to understand what they are saying?
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