Part of long-term love is being present to others’ lives. We participate directly in our partners’ and grandkids’ and clients’ lives to some degree, but more than anything, our most important role may be to act as a witness to them. We observe from close up with high intention and care. When we witness, we consciously reflect back the energy that they send forth in the many moments life entails: moments of effort, insight, triumph or frustration, skill building, creativity, or love.
Our reflection back to them, when it is “on the same wavelength,” becomes an amplification, increasing the magnitude of the event. The resulting memories for our loved ones or clients are stronger, more vivid, more energized with the amplification, and the event has more impact for the good. With a more deeply felt, more retrievable memory, the skill or feeling state can be repeated and more readily harnessed at will, and when needed.
This is one way we help others grow (and ourselves in the process) —assimilating the essence of their experience. When we are on the same wavelength, we are listening with all of our hearts and minds. Otherwise, the amplification does not happen. Witnessing, even silent witnessing from the sidelines, assists in the imprint.
We will talk about overcoming and healing obstacles at some point, which is similar, but with some twists. For now, ask yourself—have I amplified my partner’s, my employee’s, my kid’s experience recently? Have I helped create a powerful memory? How can I become a more effective witness?
