How wonderful that word is getting out about the Friendship Bench. I so agree with you about the healing power of deep listening. It’s something we all have the ability to do - if we choose.
A friendship bench. What a beautiful idea, and - at its core - so simple. Just listen. Who knew we held such healing power? And I expect that the ripple effect of being heard has far-reaching closer consequences that might, quite literally, change people’s lives for the better - connections we might never perceive, but which are there nonetheless.
Thank you for sharing this. You always bring so much kindness, empathy, and gentle joy into my day. 💜
You made my day, Jamie - thank you for the oh-so-kind words!
I often sit at a bench in one or another park near me or even on the subway and engage in brief conversations with strangers. In just a few minutes, those connections can be made and they are uplifting and powerful. I leave with a full heart and a smile on my face - and I hope they do, as well.
It is the most beautiful thing to be listened to and feel heard. This group has such a create way to serve communities. I was trained in the 1990s to be a 'Stephen Minister', a person to come along side one to one and meet and listen to someone going through a difficult time in their life. Most of the training was 'how to listen well'--paying attention, non verbal encouragement and posture, acknowledging emotions, non judgmental empathy. It changed my life, I became a better mother, spouse, lawyer, friend just learning how to listen. I wish good listening was taught in schools, not the 'Bequiet, I'm talking' kind of listening, but one to one listening with full attention so that the speaker knows and feels that they have been heard. My early substack posts tried to share some of what I learned, but it really does need the in person experiences. Stephen ministry is in its 50th year and still active and has trained over 600,000 people as SM and served over 1.5 million people in pain.
Thank you for sharing this, Leslie. I found their website and look forward to reading more about them today. Being heard is a transformative experience. Imagine a world in which everyone listened in this way!
Cathy, I love this idea of the grandmothers listening and the listeners from Sidewalk Talk. Do you know about co-counseling? It's referred to as peer counseling, but when I did the training, I remembered it involved much listening. People need these kinds of programs. It's sad that so many people feel isolated even to the point of taking their own lives.
I did not know about co-counseling and just did a quick search. Thank you for letting me know about it! I find it heartening that these programs exist - they are so needed.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Sandra, and for restacking. Both are greatly appreciated!
Cathy, I recently heard about the Friendship Bench from a dear friend but had not seen the segment. It's brilliant. Thank you for sharing.
Listening deeply is so powerful and healing for our precious, fragile hearts.
How wonderful that word is getting out about the Friendship Bench. I so agree with you about the healing power of deep listening. It’s something we all have the ability to do - if we choose.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Paulette!
A friendship bench. What a beautiful idea, and - at its core - so simple. Just listen. Who knew we held such healing power? And I expect that the ripple effect of being heard has far-reaching closer consequences that might, quite literally, change people’s lives for the better - connections we might never perceive, but which are there nonetheless.
Thank you for sharing this. You always bring so much kindness, empathy, and gentle joy into my day. 💜
Hahaha!! If only…! ☺️
You made my day, Jamie - thank you for the oh-so-kind words!
I often sit at a bench in one or another park near me or even on the subway and engage in brief conversations with strangers. In just a few minutes, those connections can be made and they are uplifting and powerful. I leave with a full heart and a smile on my face - and I hope they do, as well.
That’s so wonderful, Cathy. You are a gift to your neighborhood. 🥰
It is the most beautiful thing to be listened to and feel heard. This group has such a create way to serve communities. I was trained in the 1990s to be a 'Stephen Minister', a person to come along side one to one and meet and listen to someone going through a difficult time in their life. Most of the training was 'how to listen well'--paying attention, non verbal encouragement and posture, acknowledging emotions, non judgmental empathy. It changed my life, I became a better mother, spouse, lawyer, friend just learning how to listen. I wish good listening was taught in schools, not the 'Bequiet, I'm talking' kind of listening, but one to one listening with full attention so that the speaker knows and feels that they have been heard. My early substack posts tried to share some of what I learned, but it really does need the in person experiences. Stephen ministry is in its 50th year and still active and has trained over 600,000 people as SM and served over 1.5 million people in pain.
Thank you for sharing this, Leslie. I found their website and look forward to reading more about them today. Being heard is a transformative experience. Imagine a world in which everyone listened in this way!
The video reflections by the people receiving care are wonderful.
I totally agree!
Cathy, I love this idea of the grandmothers listening and the listeners from Sidewalk Talk. Do you know about co-counseling? It's referred to as peer counseling, but when I did the training, I remembered it involved much listening. People need these kinds of programs. It's sad that so many people feel isolated even to the point of taking their own lives.
I did not know about co-counseling and just did a quick search. Thank you for letting me know about it! I find it heartening that these programs exist - they are so needed.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Sandra, and for restacking. Both are greatly appreciated!