The Telephone Game

Whispered words
Circle the room
Crackling fire
We all try
Not to listen
While we try
to really listen
What will i hear?
What has been lost?
In this conversation
In that translation
Hiding mouths behind hands
looks of concentration
Suppressed giggles
Bent heads in anticipation
Shrugs of shoulders
Lifting of hands
It’s not just me
Who doesn’t understand
We laugh nervously
Notice the story getting shorter
Somehow funnier
As it gains momentum
Fire flames higher
Almost my turn
Hope what I hear
Is not a burn
How do I stay true
To the words in my ear
What is it anyways
That we really hear?

If Light Had a Mouth and Tongue

“If Light Had a Mouth and Tongue” - line by Mary Oliver

At dawn, she would murmur a prayer
Grateful for hot coffee to welcome the morning
As night vanishes into sunlight
joyous chatter describing dreams
moves into revealing plans and visions
By noon the familiar litany
Strong dependable, an exaltation
Afternoon delights, whispered sweetness
Sunset soliloquies, sonnets divine
In the twilight hour softer still
Until darkness encourages kisses
Sweet good nights, gratitude in knowing
“If light had a mouth and tongue”
Each day would have something new to say

Simple Self Hypnosis Technique

Here's our second video:

Tea for Two

There are times I pull a book from the shelf
When really I need to listen to myself
Times I pick up the phone to make a call
But the truth is - Inside, I know it all

Times I ask my therapist, Times I ask my mother
The lady at the drugstore, just some other
Person to download all of my blues
But talking to myself has all of the clues
Looking for a deeper more meaningful sensation
It’s with my soul I’d like to have a conversation

I’d like to know that I’ve really been heard
It’s all here, maybe just not in words
Taking myself out today for 4 o’clock tea
And really, really listening to me

Discover Hypnosis

So excited to be working with my partner on a series of videos...

Listening as a Spiritual Practice

If I accept every moment as an opportunity to hear messages from the beyond, I notice myself listening to the radio for snippets of wisdom, reading every bumper sticker as a personal communication from god.

    Listening to my clients creates compassion and empathy clearly, but listening to myself somehow is harder. Taking note of my body’s sensations, every emotion allows my creativity to flourish, even in using crayons to doodle my grayest interior, the fierce red flashes of pain in my joints, the hidden truths behind any headache.

    Joan of Arc was killed for listening to the voices in her head, yet she led an army into triumph. Who am I to deny myself triumph when maybe all I heard was a small voice say “don’t take the freeway”?

    The more I listen, the less I speak, wisdom seems to flourish in my soul, giving me guidance, confidence, and peace. Blessed be.

Notes To Listen Care Fully

• Make eye contact.

• Repeat back what you just heard.

• Pay attention to the body - match their posture, gesture, breathing.

• Make mental notes on your fingers to avoid interrupting. You will remember anything that is important when it is your turn to speak.

• Ask good questions - Go deeper.

• Give all the time in the world.

• Don’t try to fix, solve, or give advice.

• When appropriate, share a story about a similar situation or experience without the expectation that this person will do the same thing. Offer comfort, understanding, empathy and perspective.

• Tell them “I love you” with your eyes while they are talking.

• Follow up somehow - a note, an email, a remark the next day to say: I heard you. I validate you. I know you can work it out. I’m confident in you and appreciate you trusting me with your story.