21/05/2026
It can be particularly hard to listen patiently to our loved ones. We naturally want to help and make them suffer less.
So we give advice or share our own perspective or past experiences, hoping it will help.
The other day, someone close to me was telling me about a struggle they were going through, and I listened with curiosity and attention. And then, I tried offering some similar examples from past situations I had been through and what had worked for me, hoping they would find something helpful there.
It did not help.
In coaching conversations, I find it easy to not try to fix. My role as a coach is very clear.
In personal conversations, I find it much harder.
This is why practicing deep listening in a group or with a partner is important to me. It reminds me that everyone is resourceful, creative, and whole and that I am not here to fix anything.
Holding space and offering my true presence is enough.
If you are in Bucharest this coming Saturday (May 23) and would like to practice empathetic listening and holding space with a small group of like-minded people, join the "Heart of Listening" workshop.
Link in bio 🔗