Companionship

The text below was offered by one of the participants in the intergenerational gathering. We read it in the circle before moving into a peer-coaching exercise. (If someone knows who is the author, then please tell us!) 

Companioning is about being present to another person's pain;
It is not about taking away the pain.

Companioning is about going to the wilderness of the soul with another human being;
it is not about thinking you are responisble for finding the wayout.

Companioning is about honoring the spirit;
it is not about focusing on the intellect.

Companioning is about listening with the heart;
it is not about analyzing with the head.

Companioning is about bearing witness to the struggles of others;
it is not about judging or directing those struggles.

Companioning is about walking alongside;
it is not about leading or being led.

Companioning means discovering the gifts of the sacred silence;
it is not about filling up everymoement with words.

Companioning is about respecting disorder and confusioin;
it is not about imposing order and logic.

Companioning is about learning from others;
it is not about teaching them.