“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard and valued.” Brené Brown
Effective help occurs when both giver and receiver are ready. Before you offer any kind of help or support, make sure that the other person is interested in, and willing to talk to you about, whatever is going on for them. Be prepared to accept that your efforts may not be well received.
Find an appropriate time and place that’s quiet, comfortable and safe. For our physiology to calm down, we need to feel safe in the presence of the other – safe enough to open up and be vulnerable.
Focus your full attention on the person’s story and adopt a non-judgmental and inquisitive approach to listening. Don’t offer your analysis or assessment. Simply listen with an open mind and open heart. Don’t assume that you know what the person needs but, instead, seek to understand what the other person is going through. It’s through meaningful dialogue and understanding that we can foster a deep sense of connection.