Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
Hazelden Publishing
The Gift of Listening: Helping Others in the Time of Pandemic
The Gift of Listening: Helping Others in the Time of Pandemic
The Gift of Listening: Helping Others in the Time of Pandemic
Thursday 6th August 2020
Learn how truly listening to others can foster connection and support during times of isolation and uncertainty on 'Recovery Road'.
7 minutes
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Empowering
Informative
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Author:
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Creative Recovery Journeys
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Navigating Challenges in Recovery
Healing Relationships
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!The Art of Listening: Finding Connection in Isolation
The simplest gift you can give anyone, hurting or not, is just to listen, see what they need.
Feeling isolated and uncertain during these times? This episode of 'Recovery Road' might just be the remedy you need. Host William Moyers dives into the profound impact of truly listening to others, drawing inspiration from Michael Graubart's book, 'Three Simple Rules: Uncomplicating Life in Recovery'. Graubart’s three simple rules—Trust God, Clean House, Help Others—are more than just words; they’re a blueprint for a meaningful and sober life.
But it’s the third rule, helping others, that takes center stage here, particularly through the power of listening. Imagine being in a conversation where the other person isn’t just waiting for their turn to speak but is genuinely present, hearing you out. Graubart argues that this kind of conscious listening is a rare gift, especially in a world filled with distractions like multitasking and texting.
He shares how truly listening without formulating responses or getting distracted can be a profound way to serve others. This isn’t just about lending an ear; it’s about being fully present and showing you care. The episode also touches on the importance of discernment. Graubart explains that the Hebrew word for visiting the sick, 'bikr', shares its root with the word for morning, symbolizing the ability to distinguish and inquire.
This means understanding what someone truly needs rather than just making a superficial visit. Through personal anecdotes, both Graubart and Moyers illustrate how asking simple questions like 'How’s your day?' can acknowledge someone’s humanity and bring a sense of connection. Graubart recounts his volunteer work at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s HIV unit, where he learned that patients’ rooms are their sanctuaries. Visitors need to discern patients' needs rather than just talking at them.
Moyers adds his own experiences, highlighting how small acts of genuine interest can make a big difference. In these challenging times, this episode underscores the importance of self-care and the power of compassionate interaction. If you’re looking for ways to navigate isolation and uncertainty, tune in to learn how the simple act of listening can transform lives.