The Sound of Listening
Earlier this month, I attended a training on Compassionate Systems Learning organized by MIT Center for Systems Awareness. On the first day of the training, a participant and brother in this work, Marcus Strother, said: “Student testimony is assessment.”
We must treat children as experts in themselves.
This post is a reminder to listen mindfully to one another–especially to our children who, amongst other things, are navigating the abrupt transition to not being in school. Allow the space for others to be heard and listen deeply, without needing to react or respond.
As written eloquently in 10 Mindful Minutes, mindful listening reinforces a crucial skill of emotional intelligence (EQ): the ability to listen accurately to others with our minds and hearts without interrupting or leaping to conclusions.
A simple shift from “what is wrong with you today” to “what is affecting you today” can make all the difference for a child, or an adult for that matter.
We cannot forget that adult expression is assessment, too. Once we are able to understand, use, and manage our emotions (EQ) we will be able to model this for people around us. For more resources for emotional health during COVID-19, check out Six Seconds.
While many of us are at our homes or apartments during COVID-19, I urge you to do a daily check-in, 5-minute meditation (here’s one for children and one for adults), or incorporate another regular practice to engage with the mind, body, and spirit. Note: we know repetition is the key to building a new habit, so make this a regular practice. During these uncertain times, it is more important than ever that we notice our anxiety and fear around the unknown with grace and understanding.
Safeness today and always,
Mika
