Yesterday I had the honor and privilege to be coached by Terry, very talented coaching friend with whom I trade coaching sessions. It was such an amazing experience to switch roles and find out first-hand what it’s like to be held in listening (and questioning, of course). My intention in calling her was to make some business decisions, so I thought of the call as a straightforward problem-solving session. At least that’s what my ego (aka social self) had in mind.
That’s how much my “I know” mind knows. I knew what my problem was, and all I needed was a little information. I knew what I wanted and all I needed to find out was how to get there. I thought I knew. As we talked (or rather I talked and she listened and asked questions), I gradually saw how little I had been listening to myself, my essential self. It’s humbling to admit this publicly, since I teach other people how to do this and listen to their lives all day long, asking questions and offering suggestions. But I simply hadn’t been listening to my life.
In less than an hour, my world shifted radically. I not only heard what my deepest Self longs for, which never changes, really. But I experienced the magic and power of coaching, first hand. I now know inside-out what my clients tell me when they make a shift after a session. My inner world was whispering, then talking louder. And I hadn’t been listening. Starting now I’m re-committing to a Listening Life.
Where do you listen to your life and when do you fight what you hear? What beliefs keep you from listening? I noticed my belief had to do with taking care of others’ needs first. My essential self wouldn’t let Notice what your inner life whispers. If you miss it, it will talk louder. That’s how we develop a Listening Life. I’ve noticed my own life is far kinder when i do listen. See what you notice.
