It was getting late in the evening and I was exhausted. It was one of those days when ‘alone time’ at my desk was a laughable idea, a day when even a coffee break couldn’t be squeezed onto my to-do list. I was so overwhelmed. What I needed, what I craved more than anything that night was an escape. I had no idea I was about to get just that.
I had a window of ‘me time’ scheduled with a Listening Partner. Although I did wonder how one call could compare to my epic escape plans, I jumped right in, telling my Partner how all I wanted right then was to be away and free from my nagging responsibilities. Then she did something simple but amazing.
She asked how I’d spend my time.
I was stuck for a second. My mind went blank. “What do you see?” she prompted. I imagined myself taking this long, unhurried walk by myself. I made up the scene as it came into my mind: How I would find this one, perfect quiet spot, and just sit there, noticing everything around me. “What would you see? Hear?” she asked. Again, I went into my mind. This time I sensed more. A silent, rippling lake. The chill of the rock where I sat. The rustle of a bird as it flew from a branch swinging above me. A cool breeze that lifted my hair and cleared my mind. I actually breathed in then. It all felt so real.
As our time ended, she thanked me for sharing my walk and I put down the phone, refreshed. My mind was calm. I finished up my last few tasks quickly, recharged. That energy stayed with me the next day. I knew Listening Partnerships can ease stress. I had no idea they could give me a complete escape, and if it hadn’t been for my partner’s warm, open attitude, I might never have found that release.
All it took was one call and I didn’t even have to leave my desk!
From the Hand in Hand Toolbox:
Find out why Listening Partnerships can transform your ability to parent calmly with Listen Launch Post: What is a Listening Partnership and Why Do I Need One?
Want to listen well and respond better? Hand in Hand’s Listening Partnerships e-Booklet will help.
Do you know Hand in Hand’s Five Simple Tools?
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