Sitting With Others #82
Sitting With Others
I was with a group of women recently when they told me some news as we were talking about many things one day.
There are times when I am sitting with others when I find myself scooting over to get more comfortable. Then it seems that I can pay attention and be aware of what is to come.
That’s what it takes at times for me to lean in and listen with all my attention.
The information I became a part of with this gathering caused me to pause, look around to check in with each person there and then this came out of my mouth.
“I am so sorry. This is hard. It sounds like you are talking about someone you love.”
“Can I take a moment and tremble with you?”
Shared love and compassion
As I was sitting with others in this space, there was a short pause, and the women here then began to talk about the person. There was a shared love, filled with compassion and joy, from them all.
We paused and then we began to breathe together.
I have thought about this moment since that time.
Have there been other times when it happened to me? Yes!
It was when I found myself sitting with others and talking about important things.
How does this happen?
Most often it has looked like this for me.
I get to sit with others, listen to the words that are said and also the feelings that are not said. That is when I understand what is important.
Has this happened to you?
Sitting with others is worth it.
That may be why I have come to know that sitting with others is worth the time and energy, every time.
I have been in spaces with others when someone has allowed part of their story to come through and when we both then sat together and trembled.
It is powerful to have someone to sit with and hear your story.
Here is what comes to mind for me next.
What if two people sat with someone sitting with them and then listened to others around them? Would that change the way others felt heard and seen while talking about the general things in life that then could lead to the important pieces that need to be said?
I do believe this is how it can happen for more of us. We can keep it short, sweet and invite others to come be with us.
Perhaps that is the magic that each of us could do as we are sitting with others.
It is what I am going to continue doing. Come sit on a couch and we’ll find a space together.
You always tap into things I have been considering or thinking about every time you write. Just yesterday when my husband and I were discussing what “out of your comfort zone” means for different people. I quickly said being in groups of people, even at Church is way out of my comfort zone. We both decided that is where we need to push ourselves and take the leap…..out of our comfort zones. Thanks for always being able to share bits of golden nuggets with me. You are amazing in so so many ways.
It is quite a moment when you sit with one you trust and then decide this, my friend. Thank you for sharing that you are going to leap out of your comfort zone!
I still remember sitting with you many times and sharing our truths.
Thank you for being a wonderful friend
Thank you for teaching me on a deeper level, the art of sitting and what it really means. You do this with so much intention, love and acceptance. You are a remarkable and certain woman.
Thank you, my friend! This sitting and being is where we become with each other.
I am grateful to be here with You!
Truly…