Talking About it Tuesday...

"You can practice deep listening in order to relieve the suffering in us, and in the other person. That kind of listening is described as compassionate listening. You listen only for the purpose of relieving suffering in the other person." 
- Thich Nhat Hanh​

Happy Tuesday beautiful hearts!  In the busy seasons of our lives, this concept of deep listening is imperative.  I was talking with a friend the other night and was so quick to spout off my viewpoint of their life, that I missed the opportunity to simply listen with compassion.  Their heart just needed an outlet to express and I instantly went into problem solving mode.  Can you relate?  Sometimes we are so lost in our ability to be present that we wander off into the role of a "rescuer."   This role stunts the growth of our compassionate hearts.   

As we relieve the sufferings in our own hearts, we are also able to compassionately listen to others sufferings.  The timeless wisdom of Thich Nhat Hahn, continuously invites friendship with self and others.  What if we truly sat with another and offered this dialogue, "Dear friends, dear people, I know that you suffer a lot.  I have not understood enough of your difficulties and suffering.  It's not our intention to make you suffer more.  Tell me more about your difficulties and sufferings."  

This dialogue allows our hearts to blossom with compassion and kindness.  Every challenge that we perceive in another becomes an opportunity for transformation in self.  When we can see the universal suffering and offer compassion, that is when the true healing and relief begins.  

May You Sweetly Seek:)
In Gratitude, 
​Sarah