Dear Ones,

I'll be your mirror
Reflect what you are, in case you don't know
I'll be the wind, the rain, and the sunset
The light on your door to show that you're home

-The Velvet Underground and Nico

Have you ever had the experience where someone listened to you so deeply and came to know you so well that they held up a mirror - not just reflecting back all your faults, but the real you? The “beauty you are,” as they say in the song?

It is so very rare but so incredible when someone is able to do that for us and when we are able to do it for others that we love and/or respect, even if they are having trouble seeing the goodness in themselves.

This is why I am obsessed with Listening Labs, our award-winning peer-listening program that we are rolling out on college campuses, community institutions and corporate settings across the country. Stage four of the five stages of Listening Labs is “Appreciations,” during which members of the small group with whom you just shared look you right in the eyes and tell you what they appreciate about you.

💫 “You clearly bring so much energy and love to the work that you do.”

💫 “You are so brave for trying this new thing.”

💫“I appreciate that you haven’t given up on your goal, even in the face of all your challenges.”

These are some of the overheard statements of appreciation from our Listening Labs. Tears fall. Smiles get big. People hug. It is powerful.

Curious to learn more about Listening Labs and/or join us at our One Day Certification Training in June? Sign up and learn more about it here.

Sending Love,

Yael