Available hearts can heal

In a time where many of us are often stressed—at work, in our personal lives, with family, and in our inner worlds—we may find ourselves needing to pause, turn our gaze inward, and take a deep breath.

That’s often easier said than done, because the fear of not managing it all can be overwhelming, occupying both our minds and bodies. We feel almost obligated to be there for everyone, to accomplish countless tasks throughout our day, and we rarely allow ourselves the time and space to truly relax and pull the emergency brake.

Many people—whether young or old—feel deeply lonely and long for someone to talk to. Someone who is not consumed by busyness and obligations, but who can be present, attentive, and listen with an open and available heart.

To feel truly seen and heard by another human being can work wonders. It may sound simple and obvious, yet despite this, few people are truly able to be there for another unconditionally, with the capacity to set aside their own needs and desires.

When we listen to another person with our mind, body, and heart, we set the intention to offer our full presence. We anchor ourselves in the present moment, engage and strengthen our will to remain connected in the relationship, and resist every impulse to distract ourselves from the other.

Because it is precisely the quality of our attention and the compassion in our hearts that leaves a lasting imprint on the one we’re speaking with. It is our capacity to meet the other with understanding, acceptance, and embrace that creates the space for natural healing to occur.