Listen to their story

Conversations.  Interviewing.  Networking.  Personal Commercial/Sales Pitch.  Stories.

Breathe.  Ground Yourself.  Enjoy the beauty around you.  LISTEN.

Repeat.

This past month plus at home in Maine has been any version of the above.  With joy in my heart I have found networking groups, gone out on 1-on-1's with folks, had amazingly insightful conversations, and have enjoyed the connection found when conversing with others.  What incredible stories we each have filled with unique experiences and perspectives.

Boston Native with a passion for health.  Manager turned Reiki master.  Postman turned Financial advisor.  Insurance agent by day, Fire fighter in heart.  RN who believes Health care is really Sick Care and is pioneering her own change movement.  Entrepreneurs aplenty.  TV reporter visiting Maine 14 years ago, who never left.  Chance meetings, scheduled meetings, stories all around.

I am repeatedly reminded of some recently read articles and even fictional stories that describe typical conversational habits.  The parts where we stop listening and instead are eager to jump in with our next thought or immediately find a reference point and follow up with an "I or my" statement about the other person's experience, instead of simply commenting on the point or asking a question to further the other person's story.  How it's very typical to have a desire to tell our story, to express ourselves in conversation.

It's a testament to my time off and cultivating self awareness that I have been able recognize myself slipping into this trap of "I & my" and not reciprocating the questions as well.  Of thinking more of my response than really listening to the other person.  At those times I would stop my mind, (try not to overly criticize myself), and re-devote my attention to the other person.  And in those moments, I felt a softening, a gratitude, to be able to connect with another person.  I admit, it's still a habit I'm trying to overcome, and I'm thankful for the self-awareness. 

It's natural for us as humans to find similarities with others, just as much as we also immediately recognize differences, the mine vs. yours.  It's such a joy when a shared point of reference can be expressed.  Another thing that joins you to me.  I'm finding more and more that when I can relax and listen, that softening becomes more natural and I am able to enjoy the story being told.  Our communities are made of such diverse individuals with extraordinary skills, perspectives, journeys, and advice.

It's with a prayer of thanks, and a grateful heart that I reflect on all the serendipitous meetings I have encountered in just 4 weeks home and the opportunities to experience the generosity of others; their time, wisdom, and sneak peeks into the passionate works they provide for others.

These encounters help shape the world I am creating for myself and others, and I look forward to paying it forward every day possible!