Being Present with Others

Greetings to You ~

When you awaken and connect with your own Spirit it's often referred to as "being present."  You may do this through meditating, journaling or going for a walk in nature.  It's time spent alone.

Imagine what it would be like to activate that same feeling of awareness and presence when you're with another person.  Imagine how it would feel to not just be at ease speaking with others but to really connect with them.

I'm a shy person who found it rather difficult to start up a conversation and nurture new relationships.  I also had a huge fear of public speaking and in 2003, decided to face those fears by attending a speaking group.

I was inquiring about a Toastmasters club when it was suggested that I try Speaking Circle.  It was described to me as a gentle way to unlearn habits of performance speaking and learn to be your authentic self with others.  That's when I first learned about Lee Glickstein's process called Relational Presence.

Lee Glickstein wrote the book, "Be Heard Now!" based on his own fear of public speaking.  He now teaches others to "Tap into Your Inner Speaker and Communicate with Ease."  You can unlearn habits of performance speaking and learn to be your authentic self with others.

I still attend a local Speaking Circle but now the focus is to remind myself of the importance of listening to others.  To listen to other people's silences as well as their words.  To speak when Spirit moves me rather than react to my own nervousness or interrupt a perceived awkward silence.

Chapter Four of Be Heard Now! explores Listening with the Heart:  Letting Others Be Heard Now.  I'd encourage you to read the book or visit the website if improving the art of connecting, speaking or listening is of interest to you.

http://www.speakingcircles.com/

Enjoy listening and being present.

Peace and Joy ~
Sheila
xo