"The purpose of therapy is not to remove suffering but TO MOVE THROUGH IT to an enlarged consciousness that can sustain the polarity of painful opposites."
-- James Hollis
How do we support others who are suffering?
When we understand how soul works through us, we begin to see how pain generates the impulse to change. We see that our aim in supporting someone is NOT to get rid of their pain and suffering. Instead, we want to assist them to understand what the pain is trying to teach them -- to find meaning in their distress.
Often, all we need do is be fully present to them. It also helps to be present to our own experience and genuine in our feelings. Living our own truth helps create the space for the other person to live theirs.
"The first duty of love is to listen."
-- Paul Tillich
"With the gift of listening comes the gift of healing."
-- Catherine de Hueck Doherty
Higher Awareness 6/30
" Often all we need do is be fully present to them". Far too often, I was so caught up in my own thoughts and words and "how I relate", that I missed what others are truly going through, and what they are trying to tell me. I have learned that opening my ears and heart to others, silencing my inner maelstrom, not only shows much needed support to them, but removes me from my own ego long enough to experience their lessons with them. Being long winded in my opinions does not mean that I really know what they're trying to say or that I really understand them. It usually means I'm in love with my own voice. Listening closely to their words and sharing the experience does.~Wren
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i found god in myself/and I loved her/i loved her fiercely--Ntozake Shange
GAWWWGEOUS thoughts to ponder today.... thank you.
It is real beauty just to 'slip' into another persons grief and simply be present, without trying to irradicate it or 'fix' it. I got so sick and tired of 'fixing'... I am a jack of NO trades, thank you very much....LOL
my pain not only motivates change at times, but it often just encourages 'waiting', which I have found to be a beautiful thing. In my own efforts to stop trying to fix, I have embraced the depth of meaning in the words, "This, too... shall pass....."
Thank you for the serene post. Had an episode in the ER last night... health stuff (gallbladder ).... and I needed this relaxing reading today.
).... and I needed this relaxing reading today. 