The Silent Power You Already Have

Presence

by Debbie Hall

excerpted from This I Believe: The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women, 2006

Presence is a noun, not a verb; it is a state of being, not doing.

States of being are not highly valued in a culture that places a high priority on doing.  Yet, true presence or ‘being with’ another person carries with it a silent power – to bear witness to a passage, to help carry an emotional burden, or to begin a healing process.

I have not hesitated to be in the presence of others for whom I could ‘do’ nothing.

I am still pulled by the need to do more than be, yet repeatedly struck by the healing power of connection created by being fully there in the quiet understanding of another. 

I believe in the power of presence, and it is not only something we give to others.  It always changes me – and always for the better.

–Debbie Hall, excerpted from

This I Believe: The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women, 2006

Take a moment to consider:

  • How does this apply to labor support?
  • To counseling skills?
  • To parenting?
  • To marriage and friendship?

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