TODAY'S TOUCHSTONE

Published: Fri, 09/22/17

TODAY'S TOUCHSTONE

"When you really listen to another person from their point of view, and reflect back to them that understanding, it's like giving them emotional oxygen."

     ~ Stephen Covey

Isn't it wonderful to feel heard and understood?

The effect is far different when we are given unsolicited advice or responses like:
You shouldn't feel that way. 
What? How could you think that?
That's nuts!
Hmm. I'm sorry. What did you say?

I breathe more deeply when I'm heard. No matter what the conversation is about, I feel safe, valued, more relaxed, and hopeful when the other person understands me, even if we agree to disagree. I think we all appreciate being treated this way. Agree?

In light of this, and still in the spirit of yesterday's International Peace Day,* my mission today is to mindfully, heartfully listen to understand in all my conversations.

It's your mission too, if you chose to accept it.

I hope you'll join me. Let's see how it goes. If we slip, let's practice self compassion and try, try again. Today and every day.

For peace,
Charlene 

*Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All

------------------------
 
THE NINTH GIFT IS REVERENCE:  
May you appreciate the wonder that you are and the miracle of all creation.                 
             from The Twelve Gifts of Birth

-------------------------

Feel free to share Today's Touchstone with others.

When you do, please forward this page in its entirety. Not a subscriber?

To receive Today's Touchstone messages regularly,
please subscribe here:www.CharleneCostanzo.com

(c) 2012 Charlene Costanzo 

Charlene Costanzo is the author of  The Twelve Gifts series of books:
The Twelve Gifts of Birth
The Twelve Gifts for Healing
The Twelve Gifts in Marriage
The Thirteenth Gift 
Touchstones: Stories for Living The Twelve Gifts 

September 22, 2017

-------------------------

 
 


giance not to nations but to our fellow men within the human community."

                        ~ Haile Selassie