The Power of Listening

We all know where “home” is (our pure heart truth), yet layers upon layers cover it up.

Here lies an example of how:-

 

The phone in back corner of classroom rings. (Names have been changed for this reflection from last week).

Please send student Poppy to office for her medications – is the request.

As the teacher, I pass on the request to Poppy … and continue teaching 28 students in this Yr1 class.

Next thing there is an adult in the room pushing for Poppy to follow the instruction of medication needs to be taken. She clearly says “No”.

She was pressured by 2 adults to do as she was told.

She did this time – with a rage and resentment energy.

 

The next day, same phone call… and again Poppy chose to stay in her seat.

This time, I knelt beside this 7yo girl and asked what her good reason was for not moving.

“I hate the tablets. They taste awful and make me feel sick.”

What is your understanding of their purpose? I ask.

“I get angry. I hurt people near me when I feel angry. These are supposed to keep me calm. But I hate them.”

 

My heart sank.

This girl – and every human – knows what is best for them. One of the needs we have is TO BE HEARD.

When this NEED is not met ….

Rage!

This internal rage will NOT go away with medications.

It is simply numbed and buried further.

 

What if ….

The rage was HEARD, EXPRESSED and RELEASED and treated with the compassion and respect it is needing?

What if …

Screaming with trees, then earthing in the dirt with our hands, teaches us to HEAR and HONOUR what is alive in the NOW.

Simply put …

Tools to stand in all the colour of this human experience… because there is nothing wrong with us!