Questions

There are two kinds of questions, ones that need a direct answer – matters of safety and others that if we ask a question or series of questions in return, the other person will develop their own answer or answers, and be self empowered. We innately hold within us the ability to answer our own questions, heal our own lives and create whatever we wish to create. It is curious then why when someone asks a question we are not able to, pause and determine whether the situation warrants a direct answer or a question. We would like to give someone the answer to their question, not for the other persons benefit, but at a deeper level to prove to ourselves what we think we know. When in reality our answers to someone else’s questions are only our opinions, with our perspectives and our experiences attached to them.
I propose a challenge to each of you to go through an hour, then a day, then a week, then 3 weeks if you really want to make a lasting change:
1) Develop your skill of listening to what someone else is saying, not to respond, but to hear what they are really saying. Wait until they are finished speaking to develop your answer, or question as the case may present itself. Offering a question develops you’re listening skill and applies your ability to suspend judgment.
2) Through this listening skill you are opening your heart as well as the other person’s because they will feel your desire to hear what they are really saying, causing a rapport to engage that wouldn’t have otherwise been there.
3) By opening your heart to another you are also developing your ability to surrender in the moment. You release the need to defend or convince another of your point of view. In this non-defensive action you create no resistance and amazing things will transpire.