Have you ever been in a conversation with a friend or spouse and realized that you couldn’t wait for them to finish their story so you could share yours? That sounds awful to admit, doesn’t it? Don’t worry; we’ve all done it. Sometimes in the breakneck pace of our world, the art of true listening is lost. We hurry through life until hurrying becomes the norm, and we don’t even realize that we’re rushing the important things–like conversations with those we love.
As we journey through life with others, we need to extend an invitation, what Henry Nouwen calls, “spiritual hospitality,” where we invite others to share themselves by listening. Listening without judgment or debate, but instead with grace and acceptance. Listening without an agenda to be heard, but rather with the goal of deepening our understanding of the other person.
Offering the gift of spiritual hospitality requires slowing down and turning our attention toward the person we want to get to know, inviting him or her to reveal themselves, and enjoying the discovering.
Teri Cress is a marriage and family therapist with a specialization in Christian sex therapy. She practices at Restored Hearts Counseling, a Christian counseling practice located at 2655 Dallas Hwy, suite 310, in Marietta, where she works with couples, individuals and families. Teri and her husband of 27 years enjoy the challenges of extending spiritual hospitality while raising four children! Please feel free to call Teri at 404-511-5265, or e-mail her at teri@restoredheartscounseling.com. Visit www.restoredheartscounseling.com for more information.
Tagged: inspiration, guidance, wisdom, parenting, marriage, self-care, counseling, therapists
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