Hi again, Shelley. I feel so foolish, not finding your original posting. Doubly foolish because I have been studying what you wrote as well as what Dale wrote. More so, I have been trying to put into practice what I am learning from the two of you. Please continue to contribute.
Yesterday at my hospice volunteer shift, I sat with a woman who told me in poignant detail, the story of her life growing up in the Middle East. Her need to tell her story was great. Her story was riveting. I was able to practice “bearing witness”.
Later I sat with a gentleman who is very sad in his dying process. We spoke but few words. As I held his hand, he clung to me with a desperation bourn of the winter of the soul.
I sat, holding his hand, wordlessly looking into his eyes, through to the very centre of his being. We connected with a purity of purpose that is indescribable.
He fell asleep, I abided awhile, then took my leave. I “held space” with him. I was in the “moment” with him. I was fully “present” with him. I am a better person and I am blessed by our time together.
I have done this previously with people, during my three year tenure at hospice, but I really was “winging” it. I believe that at a minimum it is a ten year apprenticeship. Dale’s expressions, “bearing witness” and “holding space”, have been candles to light my path. Shelley, your word too have enlightened me. Thank you so much for helping me.
“When the student is ready, the teacher(s) will come.” - your humble student – eKim
Ps For clarity and ease of access, Shelly, can we continue this ongoing discussion on Dale’s new thread, “Bearing Witness and Holding Space.”? I have reposted the above in that location.