What Works: Giving Support in Light of the Las Vegas Shooting
Submitted by editor on Mon, 10/02/2017 - 10:29am
Today, my usual chipper column seems out of place. Senseless violence in our state, perpetrated at a country music festival in Las Vegas, is horrific. And you know what? It’s just fine to feel the horror of it. It’s just fine to be numb. It’s just fine to cry. It’s just fine to process national or world events exactly the way we need to. Giving each other time, space, and open hearts to express is good medicine. In fact, it’s the medicine we need.
This column is about support. There’s a lot going on in the world and, amidst a swirl of opinions, I believe what we need is to stand by each other. It’s time to learn to listen. It’s time to practice empathy. It’s time to open our hearts and give from that space.
Here are some simple ways you can lend support this week to someone who needs some emotional help.
Listen: There are strong emotions running deep right now. I encourage you to listen. The urge to speak when someone else is can be driven by emotional discomfort. I challenge you to sit with that discomfort and just be a witness to your fellow Nevadans’ confusion, grief, or sadness.
Don’t Judge: Try to avoid projecting your judgement of what was said. You may not agree. It’s OK not to agree. Standing in non-judgement shows respect to the person who has entrusted you with their feelings.
Stop Silver Lining: I have been as guilty of silver lining as anyone else. However, there is a video by Brene Brown, author and researcher, about empathy.
You can watch the video here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw
Remember, any time you are saying “at least” the empathy meter goes down. It’s OK not to know what to say.
Ask Consent to Hug: Can I give you a hug? This simple statement helps someone make a decision of consent about their personal space. You may want people to hug you when you are upset. Others may not. Asking consent to give a hug tells that person, “I respect you and your boundaries enough to do what will help you feel better.”
Here’s my challenge to Nevada today. Let’s open our hearts. Let’s love on each other a bit during this crisis. I imagine it will make a difference in how we all cope.
GET SUPPORT FOR LIFE AND BUSINESS
Motivation Monday with Diane Dye Hansen at Adams Hub for Innovation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Up to two free 30-minute face to face sessions. Email grow@adamshub.com to schedule an appointment).
October 11, 2017: Entrepreneurs Assembly at Adam’s Hub for Innovation, inside The Studio. 5:30 pm, free mastermind group.
Schedule a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation with Diane any time at whatworkscoaching.com.
What Works Coaching
Diane Dye Hansen is the Chief Inspiration Officer of What Works Coaching, an individual and organizational coaching and consulting firm based in Carson City. She has 20 years of experience working with top corporations, growing businesses, motivated entrepreneurs, and individuals hungry for a fresh start. Diane holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Marketing from Cal State San Bernardino. She is also a candidate for a Master’s degree in Communications Management from the University of Southern California. Her column appears every Monday, and sometimes Tuesday, in Carson Now.
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