Today I'm going to guide you through a listening practice.
More specifically,
We're going to practice what is called compassionate listening.
The act of fully focusing on what your partner is saying without interrupting,
Judging,
Planning a response,
Or rushing to provide solutions.
All you have to do is be present,
Listen,
And be willing to put yourself in their shoes with compassion for what they're saying and feeling.
Let's begin.
Take a moment to find a comfortable seated position where you're facing each other.
Once you're comfortable,
Close your eyes or soften your gaze and take three deep breaths together.
Inhale through your nose,
Exhale through your mouth.
Inhale,
Exhale.
Inhale deeply and exhale slowly.
Allow your breath to return to its natural rhythm and rest here together for a few moments,
Inviting your body to soften any tension that's there.
Now,
When you feel ready,
Open your eyes,
Make gentle eye contact,
And invite a smile to your face.
For our compassionate listening practice today,
You'll each take two minutes answering a question.
The question for today is,
What were your high,
Your low,
And your unexpected moments of the past week?
While one partner answers the question,
The other will take the role of the compassionate listener.
You will be there,
Present,
Focusing on what your partner is saying without interrupting,
Judging,
Or planning a response.
You'll put yourself in their shoes and listen until their time is over.
Try to avoid responding.
Even if it feels a little awkward,
It's okay.
That's normal.
Once the two minutes are over,
I will ring the bell and you will switch roles.
Take a few moments to decide on who will start speaking.
Once again,
The question is,
What were your high,
Your low,
And your unexpected moments of the past week?
Feel free to close your eyes and think about what you want to say if you need to.
And whenever you're ready,
You can begin.
Switch roles.
Listener,
Now it's your turn to be the speaker and share about your high,
Your low,
And your unexpected moments of the past week.
Speaker,
Now you will be the compassionate listener.
Feel free to take a few moments to think about what you want to say.
And whenever you're ready,
You can begin.
For the last few moments of this experience,
I invite you to once again make gentle eye contact,
Invite a smile to your face,
And from the bottom of your heart,
Take turns saying to each other,
Thank you for sharing that with me.
I'm here for you.
