“Here’s the deal.
The human soul doesn’t want to be advised or fixed or saved.
It simply wants to be witnessed —
to be seen, heard and companioned exactly as it is.
When we make that kind of deep bow
to the soul of a suffering person,
 [or to our own suffering within]
our respect reinforces the soul’s healing resources,
the only resources that can help the sufferer
 [ourselves or others to]
make it through.”

~Parker Palmer

from https://onbeing.org/blog/the-gift-of-presence-the-perils-of-advice/

[words in brackets mine]

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Take a moment as you read the quote above:

• What is the "whole feel" of this quote in your body? 

  • Does it bring a deep breath or quicken your breath? 

  • Does something in you resound with it or want to push back?

  • Do you have moisture in your eyes and a memory of something coming to mind?

  • 
    

• Notice the word(s) or phrase(s) catch your attention...

  • "There's something about the phrase "companioned exactly as it is."

  • You might just sit with that phrase for some time...and see what comes (perhaps a memory, a body feel, some other words or metaphor)

• Feel free to share your noticings in the comment section below.