A listening practice: One Thing Better, Hollister Thomas

One Thing Better is a weekly series featuring very cool creators I’m impressed with, in a one-question interview format.

It’s a simple premise. Each week someone will answer The Question. 

This week Hollister Thomas brings forth a compelling message for our times. One that you might think she was born to, as a photographer.

Hollister’s answer blows me away. Unlike some of the previous One Thing Better responses, in this instance I have no experience with this kind of practice. And yet I’m sorely in need of it.

Let’s let Hollister tell us about it . . . 

The Question:

What one thing have you been doing recently that’s making your life better?

Hollister Thomas:

There is one new and very precious thing I’ve been doing fairly consistently for just over one year. I have a listening partner — a friend who lives in the Midwest. 

We took a course on the enneagram together and were paired up to share a weekly listening space. (Actually, I requested her!)

We alternate weeks for sharing. 

These weekly calls start with sitting in silence for as much time as needed. Then the sharer begins sharing whatever their heart begs them to share while the other listens empathically with no judgment and no solutions. 

I have had many profound inspirations and incredible shifts in heart and mind. To have someone listen to you without judgment … I mean truly no judgment is like nothing else. 

And then to do it in return for them might be even more amazing. You tap into a heart space that reveals pure unconditional love … and don’t we all need a little more of that!!