Inspiring Poem

This poem was read to us at our MIHOW training during the three days of training. I find that at times I didn't listen and need to remember how to listen to someone! I used to be such a great listener, but something happened, which I'm not sure why. But being a better listener is something I am working on!

LISTEN

When i ask that you listen to me
and you start giving advice
you have not done what i asked.

When I ask you to listen to me
and you begin to tell me why I shouldn't feel that way,
you are trampling my feelings.

When I ask you to listen to me
and you feel you have to do something to solve my problem,
you have failed me, strange as that may seem.

Listen! All I asked was that you listen,
not to talk or do - just hear me.

And I can do for myself; I'm not helpless.
maybe discouraged and faltering, but not helpless.

When you do something for me that I can and need to do
for myself, you contribute to my fear and weakness.

But, when you accept as a simple fact that I do feel what I feel,
no matter how irrational, then I can quit trying to convince
you and get about the business of understanding what's
behind this irrational feeling.
And when that's clear, the answers are obvious and i
don't need advice.

Irrational feelings make sense when we understand what's
behind them.

So, please listen and just hear me. And, if you want to
talk, wait a minute for your turn; and, I'll listen to you.

Adapted from: Hospice of Schenectady

ARE YOU LISTENING?