Inquiry and Spiritual Counseling

At times, we simply need to be witnessed.  Frankly, sometimes all we need is to hear ourselves speak what we already know to be true.  I myself have experienced some of the most profound shifts as someone held silent space for me to just … talk.  I could finally hear myself.  I could hear my old stories and feel how they weren’t quite fitting anymore, and home in on what was authentic.  I could hear myself spontaneously confessing to another what I hadn’t dared confess to those closest to me, or myself even.  Hearing ourselves speak our heart’s desire in the company of an impartial witness can be tremendously empowering – shoring us up to speak it to the world in whatever form we might want to express it, as the time ripens.

 Sometimes it’s a relief to be with someone who’s okay
with your not being okay.

Being welcomed by another in a space of non-judgment and free of agenda is such a rare occurrence, many of us don’t even expect it, or would consider it a luxury.  It seems to me though, that this is a basic human need.  How do we sort through life’s complexities if we have to factor in the feelings, projections and needs of those we confide in?  Being received with openness, no matter what is shared, can give rise to insights about our situation and position that may not have been available otherwise.