Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast ) Episode 495
The Biggest Thing I learned In 2022
In my work as a chaplain this year, in all the books I read, patients I visited, and learning I received through didactics, this piece by Parker J. Palmer stayed with me more than any other. I think about it every day and it has transformed the way I look at doing ministry. I am grateful for it and I hope it will be meaningful to you as well.
Below is a written excerpt from the full article, which is linked below, and which I read on this episode.
“The human soul doesn't want to be advised or fixed or saved. It simply wants to be witnessed - to be seen, heard and companioned exactly as it is. When we make that kind of deep bow to the soul of a suffering person, our respect reinforces the soul's healing resources, the only resources that can help the sufferer make it through.
Aye, there's the rub. Many of us "helper" types are as much or more concerned with being seen as good helpers as we are with serving the soul-deep needs of the person who needs help. Witnessing and companioning take time and patience, which we often lack especially when we're in the presence of suffering so painful we can barely stand to be there, as if we were in danger of catching a contagious disease.
We want to apply our “fix,” then cut and run, figuring we’ve done the best we can to “save” the other person.”
—Parker J. Palmer
If this short excerpt intrigues you, I would encourage you to read the whole article at the link below while you listen to the song above. If you need me, I’ll be walking the halls.
Happy New Year,
Rick Lee James
https://onbeing.org/blog/the-gift-of-presence-the-perils-of-advice/
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Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing)
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Episode 495: The Biggest Thing I Learned In 2022