Page 11 - Read My Mind Best of 2017
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The Transformative Potential of a Whisper
March 17, 2017 by Bard Azima
In a world of perpetual noise, it sometimes This will prepare you for the inevitable
feels as if the only way we’ll be heard is by unconscious attack that will come your
being louder. In this environment, what way. When that happens, because you
place is there for a whisper? have anticipated this, you are prepared to
not be triggered.
Try it for yourself and find out. Try it with a
loved one, with your child, especially Instead of automatically returning
when you are imparting sensitive matching fire, choose to lower your voice
information that is sure to trigger them. and be easy. It may take several occasions
Try it with someone on the opposite side for this approach to shift a pattern. But
of the political spectrum. often a small, yet profound, shift happens
right away because every fibre of the
They will lean in to hear you. They will be other person is expecting to receive back
more open to your words because a what they are dishing out. What happens
whisper is much less threatening. Because when they get something else? Something
they will not have the excuse to ignore more kind, more gentle, more respectful,
your words by focusing on your aggressive more caring?
directness that you justify because you are
right and they are wrong. Try it and find out. At the very least, you
will feel better about your own behaviour.
One thing: this whisper must come from a It’s personally healing to reduce our
centered place; steeped in compassion and contribution to conflict and trauma.
non-judgment, understanding that the Beyond that, you might be amazed when
recipient’s position is always genuine, you witness the other person, whose
despite what we may believe. From this expectations have been turned on their
gentle place, it is nothing short of amazing heads, wondering what is going on.
the inroads that can be made, even with Suddenly, their defenses are lowered just
the most resistant people. a little.
Try it out with someone you always butt Here lies the opportunity for connection.
heads with. Pretend it’s a game. Refuse to In this moment, the power of a
play your usual part in the dysfunctional compassionate whisper will become
relationship by tapping into your empathy. perfectly evident.
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Read My Mind – The Best of Lily Amis
