A Chinese proverb says that listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward. When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand.

When we listen non-judgmentally, we refrain from criticizing someone, either out loud or to ourself, and we create a safe and non-threatening environment. Similarly, it allows us to make an effort to understand someone's emotions, feelings, and experiences, and acknowledging their perspective.

For a long time, I always had people talk to me. It was always prescribing medications. It was always scaring me straight. It was always 'do as I say or else' language. It might have been presented in a Christmas box, with beautiful colors, but until I had someone listen to me, and actually hear what I was saying, nothing changed. Something happened that day and I don't know what happened, but it happened. 

I challenge each of you though. Practice listening to someone today. Don't think about what it is…