Exploration

The Reply

The qualities of a "caring presence" are described in the section "Pairs & Circles." One quality of a caring presence is the ability of that person to put herself or himself in another's place and see the world through that person's eyes. A caring presence can get a sense of how the world must seem to this other person.

Now, for a few minutes, put yourself in the place of the person to whom you just wrote your letter and look at the world through that person's eyes. (The more difficult this is for you to do, the more important it may be for you to try to do it.) As that other person, write a reply to yourself. Below is a suggested beginning for your reply, but begin and proceed in any way you wish.

Dear_______________:

This is what it (is, was) like for me (having, having had) a _______________ (daughter, son, mother, father, etc.) like you . . .

Remember that the stories of our lives, candidly shared and empathically heard, are among the most precious things we can share. Consider pairing with a caring friend or forming a circle of friends with whom you can share your answers to these life questions including your response to this exploration.

Life Question 6 >>