Listening generously

"When you listen generously to people, they can hear the truth in themselves, often for the first time" This was a quote I read this morning and I reflected happily on how much better I have been at slowing down and really listening, truly hearing my son. How much this affirms him as a person, not only telling him what he needs to be doing, but participating in what he wants to do, share and be. There was a time (and sometimes there still is) when I answer the phone, read the mail, try to finish the dishes or whatever else needs to be done rather than fully engaging the people I am with. I am happy that is now the exception and not the rule so much.

I was feeling bad yesterday because I hadn't been participating in the Promiseland as much as I would like but then I read through the posts of this past week, they were so thoughtful, personal they engaged me, I related to each and every one, Mitchel's bad day, Liz's fire, Katie's mantra, Lisa's peace, Nicole's winding and then realized I was participating, I was listening with my heart, I am not only reading or hearing the words that people say, but I am opening myself up to allow their expression, I am sharing in their experiences, I am drawing upon the inspiration of my community (see, my promise is fulfilled ;)). I know that I have learned to listen by sitting quietly, hearing all my thoughts come and go, by taking the time to practice and learning to live in the present moment. That right now is all that matters (and right now, and right now). So, perhaps I am not participating in the promiseland live, I share so much of the feelings, the emotions, the meaning of this experience I am more involved than I really knew. So as the week comes to an end and we move past the physical experience of the promiseland, it will be all the realizations all the lessons, all I've "heard" that will stay with me, it lives in my heart, it is part of my truth.

Love,
Vicky