My Story is not Your Story
I was telling a friend about my day. It had been a strenuous one. At every pause my friend jumped in to tell me about her day. Then at one point began to tell me about their similar story in explicitly, long detail.
I needed a quiet, listening, non opinionated shoulder, it had been a hard day with a series of, “NOW WHAT’S.” In my mind I was shooting her, my story is not your story darts as I began to wonder if I do this too upon reflection I figured out I am an original AAA league champion.
I have made a note to self. Compassionate listening does not include my listening for how to respond. It doesn’t even include me offering up solutions; it means that I do not have to jump into the foxhole with them. It is okay, even honorable to let them stay where they are without joining them. My job as a compassionate friend, is not to comprehend and fix. Rather, my job is to listen and offer the appropriate utterances until I am asked to jump in.
Spiritually by observing, I have already interfered with the environment. I cannot observe or witness without becoming part of the environment. As such, just being present changes the landscape. My way is not a multi lane highway to correctness. I was humbly set back on my assets this week.
Note to Self. Sometimes it’s okay to be in the foxhole alone.
