Issue 22.11
Our culture is a noisy one, filled with talk, chatter and often dissonant sounds. Whether it’s the TV, radio or music on our Mp-3s, CDs or audio tapes, we are bombarded with constant noise of one kind or another. Some of us even have a cell phone earplug in the form of a blue tooth so we can talk continuously to others.
Listening and being quiet are qualities not very often encouraged in our society. It’s a real challenge for some of us to practice these forms of communication, rather than using our verbal skills. However, every so often we are called upon to communicate on a deeper level without relying on our abilities to converse with another person by talking.
Frequently I am reminded to practice these other forms of communication myself. Whenever I am interacting with a patient who is unable to communicate verbally either because they have some form of dementia or because the person is semi-conscious or even in a coma, non-verbal communication becomes especially relevant and necessary.
During those times, I put aside my verbal skills and communicate on a different level, one that goes beyond talking and communicates through touch, eye contact and just being a presence of love and caring to the person.
Sometimes the best communications are done without words. Being a loving presence, which we all are, can be just what is wanted and needed by another person. Being there for the other person and spending time in silence, communicating heart to heart rather than through talking can be a loving and uplifting experience for both parties.
Each one of us has this ability to be a loving presence. We can communicate on this quiet level to our loved ones when they do not have the ability to talk, but still wish for us to be there and know that we care for them.
When words are not possible, we are called to be a Loving Presence to each other from time to time. Communicating with our attentive presence is truly appreciated by those we care for. Our hearts can speak louder and more eloquently than our voices.
Luigi Persichetti is the chaplain for Southern Utah Home Care and Hospice and the minister of the Unity Center of Positive Living in St. George.