The human soul doesn't want to be advised, fixed or saved...
“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:
[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.