Breathe Magazine Issue 017 Back Issue

It’s good to talk, isn’t it? Well (mostly), yes. But, sometimes, no. And not always because it’s unwanted, but because no one’s listening – not in a way that’s attentive and mindful anyway. And not in a way that will help to ease worries, solve problems or uncover positive strategies to cope with life’s bolt-out-of-the-blue crises.
There’s an art to listening, to paying attention to a troubled friend’s concerns without anticipating what they’re going to say next or superimposing your experiences over theirs. Those who have it can often find themselves in demand right now as annual goals are assessed, relationships are picked over and most mortals realise they’ve fallen short of at least one of the ambitions they set themselves for this year while simultaneously beginning another long list for the next.
This is when a good listener might suggest you think about the many things you have achieved – not just this year, but throughout your life.
Think of kindnesses shown to family, friends and strangers; projects approached with both enthusiasm and anxiety (who cares if they’re still in progress or long since hidden at the back of a wardrobe?); and unexpected obstacles overcome with a mixture of resourcefulness and integrity.
At times of reflection, it’s easy to overlook or underestimate one’s achievements – to regard them as too small to be of significance. At this point, a good listener – let’s just say it’s Breathe for now – would turn that around. They’d suggest that every kindness, every smile, every creation is a success and should be celebrated. And that (mostly), it is good to talk.