23 Dec 2007
Self-Acceptance
 Towards the end of a recent workshop, a participant asked if the principles of Supportive Listening could be applied toward the self. That is, can I come to accept my own experiences as valid and legitimate, without judging, while maintaining a positive regard and care for myself.
What an insightful observation. Yes, in my experience, this change in attitude to myself follows from developing a habit of applying this attitude to others. At least for me, changes of this kind often start on the outside and progress inward. As I learn to accept others and support them in their experiences, I also learn to do this for myself.
Paul and I sometimes say that practicing Supportive Listening is a way of being a good friend. It’s encouraging for me to realize that we can also learn to be good friends to ourselves…
