Takeaway #3: Listening

I was reminded on the island how difficult and sometimes subtle listening or being listened to can be.

A follow-on to "being present" is the attention and effort expected during a discussion.

Working in the gardens or kitchen with others during the fortnight meant that there were sustained periods to talk or to listen.

I met some people during the visit who were really good at listening and I experienced the simple delight of being heard and understood.

Meanwhile there were others who must have cloth for ears, stayed in their bubble and moved from one self-centred moment to another.

It was a rare joy to spend time with a stranger and give them the space to be heard.