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Daily Question, September 23

No matter where I may be in my own journey, in what ways can I ease the distress of others?

  • Malag

    Be there when they’re there; not somewhen else.

  • I can get to a place where I can give more than I take and try to leave people better not worse off for having had to deal with them

  • Hot Sauce

    I can ease the distress of others by being compassionately present when people are suffering or struggling. Sometimes, I don’t even need to say anything; it’s just important to be with them through their pain.

  • dcdeb

    Listening listening listening listening.

  • Melissa

    Deep breath then have the courage to act, listen, offer anything like a note of tenderness and love, flowers, treat, a hug, garden for them, bring apples, a smile. Or just the words “I care deeply about you”.

  • Mary-Ann Enthoven

    I think just being a caring loving presence and deep listening is often for me the best I can do. I also think that it gives the other person a safe place where eventually they will find some solace or answers for themselves. Tender, loving, caring attention.

  • Linda

    Ask questions, and be a good listener.

  • TofuLove
    I’m going to do something a bit unconventional but sometimes people think that you ease distress by reaching out but sometimes the kindest thing you can do for someone is to leave them alone. The willingness to read and respect other’s boundaries and how much distance they want is actually kindness. In my experience people who tend to have difficulty giving other's space have unresolved emotional issues, so that sometimes the best way we can learn to give others the comfort of space is by w...

    I’m going to do something a bit unconventional but sometimes people think that you ease distress by reaching out but sometimes the kindest thing you can do for someone is to leave them alone. The willingness to read and respect other’s boundaries and how much distance they want is actually kindness.

    In my experience people who tend to have difficulty giving other’s space have unresolved emotional issues, so that sometimes the best way we can learn to give others the comfort of space is by working out our own issues.

    Read More
  • Cintia

    Be kind, sincere presence, available to listen. Listen of my heart in order to don’t judge.

    • Anna

      Dear Cintia!
      I will ponder “listen of my heart in order to don’t judge”.
      I need that, in a time when I find hard to stay with old friends.
      So thank you for your presence here, I am happy to see you again!

      • Cintia

        Dear Anna! Hello sweet grateful friend!
        Thank you! I so happy to see you too.

        Oh! Old friends sometimes show us the good opportunities to practice it.

        With fraternal love

  • Lauryn

    Walk lightly. Avoid kicking up dust on your own path. Be kind.

  • Mica

    Lighting candles on gratefulness helps me – this allows me to let go of my angst about the situation. Then I can act, perhaps with an email, without clouding my actions with angst of my own. After lighting my last 2 candles, I sent emails to both people and then received nice emails in reply.

    • Michele

      I agree Mica. I enjoy lighting candles on the site too. Their E-cards are really nice as well:)

      • Mica

        Thanks, Miichele – I haaven’t tried the e-cards but will do so 🙂

  • MemoPC

    One nice thing about technology is being able to send a simple text message to someone I haven’t seen in a while. It provides a gentle reminder that I am thinking of them and miss seeing them. Hopefully provides a way to open the door to connection. At the least it might make someone smile to know they are missed.
    Not feeling alone helps no matter what my day has in store.

  • Chester

    Compassionate, sincere presence in all its shapes and forms – the best medicine for so much of what drives individual distress.

  • Mike S

    I’ve read through many of your responses to this question and there are so many good ones. What little I have to add to it already been said will include sharing with someone what strengths and qualities you see in them.What kind of encouragement, presents, seeing and Cheryn is open to air.

  • Stormy Weather

    My action affect those around me, so having a positive attitude, listening to others and showing that I am someone they can come to in times of need!

  • Holly in Ohio

    By being there. Listening. In believing they are capable and seeing the strength and goodness in them, when they are unsure of themselves.

    By being a safe harbor. If I am grounded and calm, it helps.

  • Ashley

    Regardless of my place in this journey, I can relate to and empathize with others on their own journey. Because I can empathize, I can be gentler in my interactions, showing patience, acceptance, and validation of their experience.

  • Carol

    Be kind, Be helpful and Be present. Being a good listener is always helpful. “I hear you” can be more important in some situations than “I love you.”

  • Elaine Patricia

    By making them feel valued.

  • Maurice Frank

    Sometimes a simple “Hello, how are you?” text can remind someone they are not alone and not forgotten.

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