Painful Lines of Truth

With time, we come to understand 

that simply being present to each other 

is our most basic moral obligation.

Diane Musho Hamilton
Everything Is Workable 

We really need to hear ourselves speak our truth out loud.  When our words are spewed into the distance between our lips and a listener's heart, we can discern if we are building a story from our own perspective or if we are following the painful lines of truth.  

The listener, a silent witness, displays compassion with a willingness to gently hold the raw emotions until they can be transitioned into calm.  There is no need to struggle for appropriate responses like quoted scripture or memorized verse. Just be present in the moment with constant eye contact as it is a definite sign of undivided attention. A few silent  gestures encourage the sharing to continue.

Listening can be one of the greatest gifts of the world.  Even when we are not in agreement with what is being said, it is important to hold the space open with love.  By listening to each other with compassion, and really hearing what is being said, we move closer to peace.