sparkignitefire

There is a lot to be said for listening. For some it comes naturally, easily and they can do it for long stretches. This is not to say they don’t have a lot to say, many opinions and could tell you if you are doing it wrong. I have a deep admiration for these listeners. It runs deep.
Don’t get me wrong, I love to listen. There was a series in Chicago that came around called Stories on Stage. It was wonderful, a famous person up on stage reading the audience a story. Stunning, beautiful and missed.
Listening to someones vulnerability is tough. They open and whatever is there is out for the listener to witness. The work or lack of shows.

One of my favourite TED talks is Brene Brown. She comes up a lot, her talk on vulnerability is deep. Sometimes when a therapist or an academic speaks on the subject it seems dry or pedantic as if they are bored, when they have done the work and have somehow forgotten the vulnerable part. Not Brene. Check it out. She’s a wonderful story-teller.

Listening comes in many forms. It could be your cut-men whispering in your ear. Wear him down, gentle persistence. Maybe its your child reminding you, once again, you are lovable and being vulnerable with them is a step in the right direction. A friend sharing a story about how on the path someone can seem and whammo, the truth brings you back.
You will get hurt.
It won’t always work out.
You may not even survive.

Without it though, the places you went, the stories or told and heard would not have happened. Its part of it. There will be times, years, decades where you cannot go there, be vulnerable, the walls come up and are humming with the energy displaced. Then you are reminded, a gift comes your way…..a journey begins. This is the time. Try a little on your corner-man…..see what happens. Remember what its like. Your body will remember.

Love you