“The most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention…A loving silence often has far more power to heal and to connect than the most well-intentioned words.” Rachel Naomi Remen
The power of connection should never be assumed nor underestimated. One of the most surprising conversations that came up during our summer workshops with teens was around the issue of connection. The fabulous thing about having open conversations is that we allow others to explore and share. When we give our kids the space to explore and we truly listen we can never predict what we will learn.
What came out of these conversations was nothing short of amazing (and might I say a bit mind-blowing). We were having a discussion about the current situation (the pandemic) and how everyone was feeling. One of the participants raised the issue of connection.
This individual mentioned that at the beginning of the lock-down how their family was doing all sorts of family activities. They had pyjama days, took turns preparing meals, game nights, etc. As time went on, although they were all still in the same household, the activities lessened and all being under the same roof was considered ‘family time’.
As discussions continued other participants agreed that they really enjoyed the feelings of connection they had as a family during the beginning of the lock-down. I did not expect this. Many parents come to me because they feel like their teens are disconnected and here they were talking about how much they loved the close family time.
I asked them if they had shared their feelings with their families and not one had done so. Fascinating!
Perhaps a great dinner table conversation would be to open up the discussion about the beginning of the lock-down and where we are now. How are they feeling? Are there things they learned? Are there changes they would like to see in your family? Ask and then just listen….
Much love.