I believe each of has the power to heal.
Our bodies are miraculous creations that manage all manner of amazing things. But today I want to talk about power to heal hearts—i.e. emotions.
Healing power happens in all kinds of ways—but here’s a really simple, profound one: healing through being heard.
You know this. Think about the last time something brewed up a storm inside you, and you had the good sense to sit down with a friend and talk about it. I mean really express yourself. Not just analytical chatting and problem solving, but honest to goodness self-revelation, messy tears and nose blowing included. Didn’t you feel better in the wake of really being heard?
First of all, there is nothing that will deepen a friendship like true vulnerability. You give a real gift to your friend, sharing your deep feelings. The gift you receive in return is deep listening: including safety, unconditional acceptance, and the suspension of judgment. Your listener puts herself in your shoes and hears everything you say with absolute sympathy. She or he is unquestionably “on your side.”
This power to heal goes both ways. You experience emotional healing as the speaker. It’s also common for the listener to experience a lifting of her heart as well. Healing happens on both sides.
Coach’s Challenge: Put yourself on both sides of this magical equation this week. Seek out a friend and share the stuff that’s churning inside you. Notice how deeply healing it feels to be truly heard. On a separate occasion, offer deep listening to a friend—can be the same friend or a different one. Again, notice how you feel in the wake of giving this gift.
Leave me a comment: Tell me —What keeps you from activating the power to heal that comes from being heard?