The Ripple

As I cobble together a little independent podcast book “tour,” here is a link to a recent podcast conversation about redefining mental health and the future with Jasmine Lisciotto of Life, Biz, and all that Jazz.

I’ve been acutely focused on the quality of conversation, lately. Specifically, working on my own silence, my own listening. Am I listening for something to refute? Something to affirm a knowing that assuages some deep concern for myself that I am not okay? Or, can I nestle into a trusting part of myself that can find the unity in anything?

I much prefer that latter, of course, though it is a daunting practice, as you can imagine. There is so much priming in the world for me to be poised for distancing elements in relationship like skepticism, agreeableness, and validation. In this era of emotional safety-at-all-cost, we are, indeed paying a high price.

I aim for the courage to listen without need for response. To feel for the intent beneath the words, and for the person beneath the intent. I strive to embrace the nature of compassion, generosity, and empathy, while understanding the conditioning of violent division.

Above all, I thank you, dear reader, for all the unseen ways in which your humanity matters. You create ripples in your life, even when you don’t see them. Especially when you don’t see them.