Your friend comes in shaken by seriously bad news. She is frightened and her energy is running sideways. She begins telling her story and before she finishes, you are already conjuring solutions. You know what she could do, what she should do, what she should think, where your experience with similar situations led you. As soon as she pauses to take a breath, you launch in with your recommendations. You want to help.
Consider this – your friend needs an ear, not a mouth. She needs to be heard, she needs empathy, she needs relief. She needs you to listen mindfully, without comment. Bite your tongue, hold your breath, sit on your hands and listen, listen, listen. Listen with every fiber of your being. All you need to do is listen. Let her finish – be there with her. Let her catch her breath – comfort her.
When she finally finishes, the only words you utter are “What do you need?” Whatever she says, that’s what you do next.
Mindfulness. Practice daily. Mindfully.- Flex Bend Balance's blog
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Author
Flex Bend Balance
Lynne Patterson has a great many passions in her life and the two at the top of the priority list are her 6 rescue dogs and health and wellness, for herself and for others. Lynne is the Head Coach at Flex Bend Balance, a wellness company that focuses on senior fitness, nutrition, and stress relief. She is certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) as a Personal Trainer with an additional certification in Senior Fitness. She works with seniors to ensure they have the functional ability to age in place, experiencing life with a clear head and a strong body. She is a Senior Nutritionist and Behavior Change Specialist, using these skills to help people change their minds and change their lives. She is a Meditation Teacher and leads meditation anywhere she can sit. As a Holistic Coach, Lynne guides people just like you to a better, healthier life. Whether you want to lose weight, cook more nutritious meals, or gain the strength you need to carry groceries and pick up children, Lynne helps you develop a plan and then, using proven behavior-change techniques, coaches you through to the desired outcome. When asked what she does, Lynne replies, “I support women who want to change their lives. I support women who are sick and tired of being sick and tired. I support women who want their lives to be different, to be free, calm, and balanced.” So, what do you need? A coach, a cheerleader, an advisor, a positive influence? Start living the life that you are dreaming of – strong, healthy, fit, and confident. Release stress and gain composure. Relax and be still. It’s the journey of your lifetime and you don’t need to go alone.