Healing Presence
What do people experience when they are in your presence? Joy? Comfort? Encouragement? Understanding? Peace? To me, it’s amazing to think about the impact we can have on others from the exchanges that we have with them. Our words and actions (the messages we convey) are significant. They can leave a lasting impression on others. Additionally, they can achieve a desired outcome, such as growth and change, in the lives of people.
“A positive statement propels hope toward a better future, it builds up your faith and that of others, and it promotes change.”
When I saw the quote by Jan Dargatz referenced above I thought it spoke so well to this idea of purpose and intentionality in messaging. We all hope that the communication we have with others will be meaningful, especially as professionals in helping positions, primarily because the goal is to make a difference in the lives of others, whether physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. While this is the objective, unfortunately this is not always the case. You may have heard from some individuals receiving services/supports that there were times they had negative experiences due to the way they were treated by those they looked to for help. In those moments this can be especially devastating because there was an expectation for so much more, namely positive and healthy experiences. And I completely agree. I believe that all people can positively influence the lives of others around them every day and have a responsibility and opportunity to add value through the messages they share in words and actions. Yet, professionals/leaders who represent areas of health and wellness are in a great position to live up to these ideals. Or maybe you are a professional in human resources or another field and serve in a position in support of other members of a team. In whatever sphere of influence you are in, it’s important for you to recognize the power of your message.
I am also inspired by the opportunity we have to make a difference in the lives of others merely by being present with them. I wonder if some of the greatest moments of support for someone can be just from another person being present with them, particularly in a time of need, even should there be little to no words or actions at all. You could provide a listening ear, a compassionate hug, or a smile, to name a few. Or, you could just be present. When someone is dealing with very difficult experiences, say a traumatic event or personal struggle, it may help them the most to know that the message you convey is that you care for and are there for them. And knowing that someone cares and is there, even if just to provide a shoulder to cry on, can be especially helpful. This is what has been most meaningful to me in working in mental health and human services. In these moments, the quote below by Maya Angelou seems truly significant.
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Think about your own experiences. Have there been times in your life when someone positively helped you through their words, actions, or just by simply being present? How did it make you feel? Likewise, what messages do you want to convey to others when working with them?
It’s not always easy to provide the support that people are looking for. At the same time, I hope that you are able to leave an indelible mark on the lives of the people that you are working with to achieve a desired outcome. Most of all, I hope that those who work with you experience positive and life-changing messages in your presence.
I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to share a comment or reach out if you’d like to connect, have questions, or are interested in partnering.
Healthy Messages™ helps professionals, leaders, and business owners in human services improve, craft, and implement communication within and across systems.
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