Life Skills Hack: How to best help a friend in pain

 

Image Source

When a friend or loved one is upset and hurting, it's likely that your immediate reaction is to offer comfort. You may want to help through your actions or your words, but most people worry: What if I do or say the wrong thing?

No matter what situation is causing your friend to hurt, life coach Iyanla Vanzant believes that there is one universal approach you can take to help ease their pain.  Just being with your friend is therapeutic and helpful.

Image Source

"Your presence is enough," Iyanla says.  You don't have to say anything or wrack your brain to find a solution.  Sitting quietly next to or near your friend can help more than you realize."

Iyanla has seen the power of this principle work firsthand in her experience as a spiritual advisor and the host of "Iyanla: Fix My Life."  That, she adds, is when an additional move towards healing can take place.

"In the stillness and the silence of your presence, pray," Iyanla suggests.

This prayer doesn't have to a religious or even spiritual in nature; rather, it's about putting forth good vibes and positive energy, and recognizing that your friend is strong and resilient.

If you're concerned that allowing yourself to be fully present might invite negativity into your own space, don't be, Iyanla says. The exact opposite happens.

"Just because your friend is hurting doesn't mean you have to get down in the pain with them. In fact, in your presence, you can pull the energy up and pull them out of the pain," Iyanla explains. "Just remember: Your presence is enough."


Source:  Huffington Post
(c) 2011-2016 Robyn King. All Rights Reserved.