A new behavior that was shared with me as a suggestion to strengthen a fledging relationship was “reflective listening.”
And I am trying it!

Growing up in a home that fostered and nurtured the sharing of ideas through critical thinking, and peaceful debate, in order to get to know each other and each others ideas, this reflective listening was a new idea to me.
To be able to listen and process not only the words and ideas of another but also the emotion with which they are speaking, and not think critical, but respond by rephrasing the persons idea to: 1. let them know they were heard and I can empathize and 2. ensure I understood correctly what they were saying, this is totally new for me.
For me, it involves shutting off a part of my brain to allow focus on the person and structure of this “dialogue” vs. the dialogue itself.

I will say that this is working! That the person for which this was suggested has warmed up toward me tremendously! And that was the goal of why I tried this…my only “after thoughts” are…through this type of dialogue she may feel I am getting to know her better – which I am – but she is not really learning to know me. Or at least that is how it feels so far, as it has only been a month or so.

Crazy travel in my life keeps me from this community too often, and so when I popped in today this is such a pertinent question in regards to my family and the world community in general.
Whether it is my son, niece, nephew’s life or the new culture of no consequences for actions in general, my thought is – I am called not to fear the changes or to judge, but to listen for understanding and to continue to shine the goodness, love and “Ultimate Reality” of life.

Life, is magical to me, especially when I take to time to explore the wonder – not only in nature, though often that is when I experience the magic and the wonder – but in the way my life has evolved. It is when I look back and then forward through my life that everything becomes mystical, magical.

I realize in the true sense of the words they may mean different things but I am using them synonymously with that which transcends my understanding or logical explanation. Life is beautifully magical.

Seeing need and suffering are impetuses for me to serve. Also folks or agencies asking for assistance will inspire me to action.
Though I help where I can, I am truly inspired when I sense my gifts strongly support the ask.
I have also wondered why sometimes I am not moved to serve when I see pain or suffering or have been asked. What is the difference…discernment – or Spirit – or being self-serving or self-preservation? These are ideas that go through my mind but to which I have no good answer.

Because I am near the middle for extrovert and introvert, opposite ends of the spectrum often energize me:
– hiking/taking a quiet walk in nature
– reading a good book
– centering
– being with people at celebrations or having a chat with a friend
– playing with animals or children
– playing sports
– a nap in midday
– reading a letter from a friend
– journaling
– a sound nights sleep

To contribute to a more just world, I can begin to gently note my own hypocrisies.
For example:
If I care about the enviornment, what are some things I am doing that contribute to the harming of the enviornment and how can I change my behaviors.
If I care about the homeless, am I even acknowledging them on the street, let alone offering them some comfort.
Noting my own discrepancies between feelings and actions and then working to change those behavior to align with my desire for a more just world will contribute in some small ways.

Gads! Words are inadequate to describe it. This is not “the” definition but from my experience:)
It is that gift that allows you to be more than just human. It allows Divine love to flow through you activating your gift of “divinity” and with the consent of your will, allows you to go beyond yourself in experience, thought or action.
It can also create a peace in the “soul” when there is turmoil or fear.
It is a gift – a form of Divine Love.
PS – My hubby walked in and I told him I was answering my Gratitude question about what is Grace, and he said “Its me – I AM your Grace” – though trying to be funny I saw some truth in that:)