Listening to Heal: A Journey of Courage and Tenderness
Today’s intention and affirmation remind us that healing begins with deep listening—both to ourselves and others. | Intention: Listening | Affirmation: "I am worthy of love and healing, just as I am."
Hey there, Dearest Lionies,
How often do we truly listen? Not just to the world around us, but to the quiet voice within—the one we tend to silence when things get hard? In a world full of distractions, it’s easy to tune out our own bodies, our needs, and the emotions trying to speak to us. But what happens when we pause and give space for these voices to emerge?
When you carry the weight of trauma for years, like I have, listening becomes even more complex. The mind can become a maze of conflicting thoughts and the body, a map of unhealed scars. The simple act of tuning in—to the body, to the emotions, to the story the pain wants to tell—can feel overwhelming. But this kind of listening, both inward and outward, is essential for healing. And it is something I’ve been learning to embrace as part of my daily practice.
Today’s intention of “listening” calls us to go beyond hearing and truly engage with what’s being said—from within ourselves and from others. This active listening requires more than our ears; it calls for the involvement of our whole being. We tune into our body’s signals, like when tension builds in the shoulders or when our breath tightens, and ask ourselves, what is this discomfort trying to say? This process also applies externally, as we engage with those around us. Listening without judgment, without trying to fix or respond too quickly, creates a space where real understanding can flourish.
Paired with today’s affirmation, "I am worthy of love and healing, just as I am," we’re reminded that this process of listening is a tender act of self-love. By hearing ourselves—our needs, our pain, our strengths—we honor our journey. Each time we listen, we acknowledge our worth and invite healing to unfold naturally.
Intention: Listening
Listening is the act of fully receiving and understanding what is being communicated, both internally and externally. It involves more than just hearing words; it encompasses active engagement with both the body’s sensations and the speaker’s message.
From an inner perspective, listening invites us to tune into our body—our breathing, heartbeat, and emotions. What does our body want to tell us? How do we respond to situations of discomfort or joy? In the Buddhist tradition, mindful listening is often connected to Right Speech and Right Mindfulness. It means listening without judgment or distraction, fully present to the moment and the speaker.
Externally, active listening requires us to set aside our preconceived notions, judgments, and responses. We engage with a beginner’s mind, open to whatever arises without projecting our expectations onto the speaker. It’s about truly understanding the other person, not simply waiting for our turn to speak.
Inspirations on How to Achieve the Intention
Embodied Listening:
Pay attention to your body’s signals while listening. Notice if your shoulders tense, your breath quickens, or if your body feels grounded. By staying aware of these responses, you create more space for non-judgmental listening.
Tip: During a conversation, take a moment to check in with your body—how does it feel? Are you tense, relaxed, or neutral?Cultivate Beginner’s Mind:
Approach every conversation as if you’re hearing the topic for the first time. Suspend your assumptions and expectations, allowing yourself to fully absorb what the speaker is sharing. This opens the door to new insights and deeper understanding.
Tip: Practice this by intentionally listening to someone talk about a familiar subject but pretending you know nothing about it.Non-Judgmental Listening:
Train yourself to listen without immediately forming an opinion or response. This creates space for the speaker’s full expression and often deepens connection.
Tip: When listening, resist the urge to formulate your reply while the other person is still talking. Focus entirely on what they’re saying.
Systemic Question for Self-Reflection
Reflective question:
What are the signals my body gives me when I’m truly listening versus when I’m distracted or disconnected?
Hint: Consider moments when your body has felt open and relaxed in a conversation, compared to times of tension or disconnection. How does this affect your ability to be present?
Affirmation from Unconditional love: I Am Worthy of Love and Healing
"I am worthy of tenderness, just as I am. My pain is real, and yet so is my power. I hold space for my body’s needs, for my spirit’s healing, knowing that love lives in the heart of my vulnerability. Every step I take toward healing is an act of courage, and I honor myself for walking this path."
I embrace my inherent worthiness, knowing that love and healing are my birthrights. Each step I take on my path is marked by bravery and elegance, reflecting the strength within me. I honor my journey, recognizing that every moment of growth and self-discovery is a testament to my courage and grace. My worth is not defined by external measures but by the authenticity with which I live my truth. I am deserving of all the love and healing that life offers, simply because I am.
Key Takeaway
The affirmation from unconditional love reminds us that our inherent worth is untouched by external judgments, and healing is a courageous, deeply personal journey that invites tenderness toward both our bodies and spirits.
"I am worthy of love and healing, just as I am."
Systemic Questions
Reflective question:
When you reflect on your current path toward healing, where do you already see courage and grace emerging in your life?
Hint: Look at moments when you’ve allowed yourself to rest or speak up for your needs.
Exploratory question:
In what ways can you create more space for tenderness toward yourself in your daily routine?
Hint: Consider small acts like mindful breathing, gentle movements, or allowing yourself to express difficult emotions.
Listening isn’t just about hearing sounds or words; it’s about receiving the messages we often ignore. It’s about tuning into ourselves and those around us, not with the intent to solve, but with the intent to understand.
For many years, I wasn’t listening to myself at all. I carried the weight of others’ expectations, unspoken rules, and past experiences without ever pausing to hear what my body and spirit were asking for. But I’m learning now that healing comes when I listen deeply to my own needs and to the voices that have been buried beneath the noise.
Today’s affirmation reminds us that we don’t need to prove our worth. We don’t need to justify our pain or explain our journey. Healing is our birthright, and every step we take on this path is one of courage and grace. The act of listening—to ourselves and to others—becomes an act of love.
With deep care and respect,
Hashtags
#Listening #SelfCompassion #HealingJourney #MindfulLiving #BeginnerMind #Affirmation #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalWellbeing #TraumaHealing #InnerStrength
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