“People don’t always need advice.  Sometimes all they need is a hand to hold, an ear to listen and a heart to understand. Often their answers lie deeply within themselves and only become clear when spoken to a compassionate listener.”  - unknown

Whether you were the listener, or the one being listened to, do you have any stories to share?

At certain times in my life I have met a compassionate listener who took time to hear my story.  I don’t ever remember receiving any advice, only their undivided attention.   What I do remember however is coming away with a sense of peace and a certainty that I was on the road to healing.  Since then, I have tried to be that compassionate listener for others.  ~ eKim

I am a compassionate listener, and a good one I suppose since I was told how good it feels to be my "friend". 

But now that It's my turn, I need to be listened, I realise I don't know how to talk , how to share all this feeling inside me...

But it is ok, I can learn.  :)

Hello Suzanne

I am touched after reading your latest posting.  My hope for you is that you have a compassionate listener who will be with you when needed.  If you like, you can “speak” freely with us, here at Virtual Hospice.  The only “qualification” that we can offer is that “We Are Here”.

“The compassionate listener travels the path chosen for him.  He carries before him, but one small candle.  The path is dim, the destination unclear. 

In the distance, a candle - no brighter than his own - flickers an uncertain greeting. 

When the two candles unite, not much more of the path is illuminated.  But each will find that, even though the road ahead is dark and uncertain, that two candles light the way much better than one.”

- eKim

“Draw near dear one, with your little candle so divine. 

Whisper your words and I shall whisper mine.”  -  eKim
 

IN RESPONSE TO THE LATEST POSTINGS:

Brayden, I must say that in reading your posting, that I was encouraged to hear of someone else who has experienced this most beautiful of all forms of communication.  It is a regular occurrence for me at hospice.

Your quote, Tian is very powerful.  I am still pondering it.

Marstin, that was a great story regarding that “chance” meeting.  Just recently I wrote something that I would like to share with you:

“Hi, how are you?”, the friend asks.  “Ok, how are you?”, she replies automatically.  Normally – as per our usual social interaction - the friend would say “Fine.” and then simply continue on with what she was doing..

But this time she saw something in her friend’s body language and in her eyes.  Now the really, truly great friend re-asks, “'How are you really?”  

The lesson here is thus: help the person who is hurting to “open up” to you.  Simply listen  honestly and compassionately.  This will allow the person (at least for a moment) to have their load lightened.

You will be rewarded as well because you will be viewed as - and spoken of - as a very, tender, caring person.”  - unknown

“In communicating there is the speaker and the listener, the message shared, the reply received, the analysis of the words, the implementation, and on and on.  When a compassionate heart meets a broken heart, then none of these facets of communication hold the power of the moment shared.”  ~ eKim