It’s been a while since I’ve felt inspired to post or write anything on here, but I’m sitting here after a session with a therapy client and I just feel so lucky. Whether it’s within the context of therapy or with friends and family, I truly love being with others. While I often identify with being an introvert and enjoy my time to myself, I know how important connection and sharing space with others is in our lives. There’s just something about being with another person and being fully present and open to the experience.
Being a therapist is kind of a weird job because, yes, we have extensive training and education and we try to give people tools to improve their lives and reach their goals, but at the end of the day, it’s often really just about being with another person and holding all that they’re sharing with us with loving compassion. It can be a lot to hold at times and it can be stressful, but it’s also a beautiful honor to be trusted in that way. As I mentioned, it’s not just in a therapy session that I feel this way, but in so many moments of my life where I’m able to be truly present with another person.
I don’t know about you, but I look at my phone a lot…definitely a little too much and I can get sucked into this virtual world that so rarely has a positive impact on my life. Yet, when I put the phone down and can sit with someone else, that’s when I gain so much insight into life. I learn so much from other people and I’m constantly amazed by the insight, resilience, and wisdom that others have to offer. By truly listening and being open to receiving what another person is sharing, we can learn so much about humanity and ourselves. So often I find myself being inspired by what others have shared with me.
I’m realizing that just like I can help others by listening and being present, they’re helping me too. As a therapist, I know that the real power doesn’t lie in me having all the answers, but in being present enough with another person that they realize that they have the answers already within them. As that realization comes to be, I also benefit by witnessing someones growth and progress. It’s a joyful process that we can all partake in by fostering connections in our own lives.
There’s this amazing quote by Ram Dass that says “treat everyone you meet like God in drag.” When I first heard this quote, it kind of changed my whole life. When we see others as an extension of universal consciousness (just like us), we learn to be so much more compassionate and present with those in our lives. We’re not going to like or agree with everyone that we meet, but if we keep our hearts and minds open, we can learn from anyone. By changing our perception, we allow in endless possibilities for ourselves and others.
This is all to say that there is power in connection, experiencing others more deeply and accepting who they are in that moment. We are all on this crazy ride called life together and our differing experiences can be gateways to further growth and knowledge for us all. I wish for us all to have these opportunities to share space with others, to listen and to be heard.
Here’s a pretty picture of the sky from last weekend!
Love yah <3