Post by aka on Oct 15, 2008 6:46:57 GMT -5
Crys for help can come in many shapes and forms, but sadly not many see the desperation of the one crying out for help.
We live in a self-centered world and very rarely cross the threshold into the lives of others. On the rare occasions that we do, we usually only see black and white and very rarely the great multitude of shades of grey that lie in between.
The majority of people are judgemental, but it is not their fault, genetics dictate that we process all information, as to how it pertains to the self, for this is part of our inbuilt, hardwired defence program.
But if we want to live richer lives, it would stand us in good stead, if we took into account, something that I learnt while studying to be a counsellor.
This being an ability called attentive listening.
Basically, what this means is, when you listen to what someone is telling you, you learn not think in terms of, how does what they say relate to me, my life and core beliefs, but rather, how does it relate to the "teller".
This is the prime requisite of a good counsellor and without it, any counsellor is just one of the countless thousands, that take the money, but never really help anyone.
But leaving that aside, because I could rave on for hours and hours, about bad counselling practices.
If you really want to understand and relate to your "fellow man", try a bit of attentive listening, then maybe, you may just hear the plea for help, when it comes to your ears.
Then you just may be able to truly understand and empathise, with someone who is in a very "dark space" and calling out for help, in the only way they know how.
We live in a self-centered world and very rarely cross the threshold into the lives of others. On the rare occasions that we do, we usually only see black and white and very rarely the great multitude of shades of grey that lie in between.
The majority of people are judgemental, but it is not their fault, genetics dictate that we process all information, as to how it pertains to the self, for this is part of our inbuilt, hardwired defence program.
But if we want to live richer lives, it would stand us in good stead, if we took into account, something that I learnt while studying to be a counsellor.
This being an ability called attentive listening.
Basically, what this means is, when you listen to what someone is telling you, you learn not think in terms of, how does what they say relate to me, my life and core beliefs, but rather, how does it relate to the "teller".
This is the prime requisite of a good counsellor and without it, any counsellor is just one of the countless thousands, that take the money, but never really help anyone.
But leaving that aside, because I could rave on for hours and hours, about bad counselling practices.
If you really want to understand and relate to your "fellow man", try a bit of attentive listening, then maybe, you may just hear the plea for help, when it comes to your ears.
Then you just may be able to truly understand and empathise, with someone who is in a very "dark space" and calling out for help, in the only way they know how.
