“The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.” Thich Nhat Hanh
Think about the conversations you have with people, especially the people you love. Are you truly there? – 100% focused on what they are saying or are you thinking about other things?
I remember when I first started counselling many years ago, I was so busy worrying about getting it right, should I paraphrase? summarise? reflect? that I am not sure that I really heard what was being said. I soon learned though people don’t really care which ‘counselling skill’ you use, they just care that you LISTEN.
Even now, every now and then, I find my thoughts drifting elsewhere when I am in a conversation with someone.
How many times does one of your family members want to tell you something really important, just at that time when you already have twenty plates spinning?
“Listen earnestly to anything [your children] want to tell you, no matter what. If you don’t listen eagerly to the little stuff when they are little, they won’t tell you the big stuff when they are big, because to them all of it has always been big stuff.”
Catherine M Wallace.
My children, at 23 and 20 are not so much children now (although of course, they will always be kids to me!) . Throughout their lives,they have loved the holidays, the latest toys, games,etc but they have loved nothing more than spending time with me and their dad, just chatting and being there for each other unconditionally
Be present for your loved ones today and every day!
