Newsflash

Live background piano (or organ), I can do it for you. Light Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven might increase the helpful brain activity of your guests without them even thinking about it. I can also do beloved hymns.

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Yes, I can read between the lines, I can sometimes hear what you’re not saying with your words. I do it not to know by some private divination what your secrets are, but I do it in order to bring up and clarify together feelings or solutions which might not yet be fully present to your awareness. I reject interactions like, I know you meant such and such because your eyes moved such and such a way, and if you try to tell me differently I’ll know you are lying. I reject that because I believe all body language is open to interpretation, as are all words, too.

Noticing nonverbals involves noticing them out loud, talking about body language.

Last Updated (Sunday, 11 April 2010 19:39)

 

This means there will be no judging, shaming, guilting, or put downs, no jokes at the other person’s expense. There will be lavish expressions of belief and affirmation of the vision spoken. There will be open doors that let the vision ebb and flow over the days and weeks. If you are in a certain space today and another space tomorrow, that’s alright. I will be there with you, enjoying who you are at that moment.

Empowering means freeing, enjoying, believing.

Last Updated (Sunday, 11 April 2010 19:40)

 

Jennifer told me the thing she appreciated most about my listening was that I didn’t try to fix any of her problems. She said it felt like I trusted her to find the way that was good for her. She said she felt empowered by that. I trust you to make your own decisions.

I trust God to be working in you and I don’t dictate what God will do in you.

I trust and I invite trust. Since you trust me I will not break your confidences to other people.

Trusting is two-way work.

Last Updated (Sunday, 11 April 2010 19:41)

 

My happiest friendships are with those who understood this as a powerful way to be with someone and wanted a partner in listening. Melody partnered with me from the beginning. We made a commitment to be listeners together in this way. We have experimented and learned together through the years. We have grown. She will soon have her own clinic as a medical doctor and she claims that her success is in part due to our work together begun when she was still in pre-med studies. Of course, the kudos go both directions.

Taking turns builds the capacity of both to listen better.

Last Updated (Sunday, 11 April 2010 19:41)

 

I picture waiting at the computer. When I come to your home to visit with you, you excitedly tell me you want to show me your new website. So we sit down together at your computer. You press some buttons, then point and click. On your monitor colors change and sounds whir in your tower. I wait with eyes glued and rapt attention. There are no words, and that is ok, while I wait for you to bring it up.

Waiting is quite alright as long as we are both present.

Last Updated (Sunday, 11 April 2010 19:41)

 
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