“Tell Me About Your Life": The Transformative Power of Listening.
The picturesque mountain pastures of Javakheti in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia.
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the profound impact of a simple question: "Tell me about your life." Yet, if we paused to ask this and genuinely listened to the response, we might find our lives enriched in ways we never imagined.
As a photographer and visual storyteller, my work takes me to diverse corners of this beautiful world. Each journey is an opportunity to meet new people and explore unfamiliar places. However, I've learned that my understanding of these people and places is often coloured by my own experiences, education, the media, and the influence of family and friends. These factors can create expectations that range from slightly skewed to completely, and sometimes harmfully, incorrect.
One unforgettable experience that brought this lesson home to me occurred when I was travelling with the organisation ReWoven to the Javakheti pastures in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia. We had ventured to the mountains hoping to find a shepherd camp we had heard was in the area, and unexpectedly, came across a different camp nestled in the remote landscape. Without hesitation, we approached and were warmly welcomed by the shepherds and their family. What started as a chance encounter turned into an extraordinary evening. We spent time talking with them, sharing stories, and learning about their lives. We were invited to join their evening meal and, as the night grew colder, we ended up sleeping in their tents, sharing their spectacular mountain home for the night.
Sitting around the flickering oil lamp, we listened to stories of life in the camp and mountains, the family’s history, and their dreams for the future. Their stories were rich with tradition, resilience, and hope, and they offered me a glimpse into a way of life that was both foreign and deeply familiar in its humanity.
With time and experience, I've come to rely less on my preconceived notions and more on the stories of the people I meet. By asking them to "Tell me about your life," I open the door to their world, allowing them to share their story in their own words and their own way. This simple act of listening has introduced me to some of the most remarkable individuals. I've had the privilege of hearing stories of immense strength, of people who have endured unimaginable hardships, yet continue to love and serve others at the expense of their own comfort, time, and energy. These are people who have set aside their own pain to help heal the wounds of those even more vulnerable than themselves. Their resilience, kindness, and selflessness have left an indelible mark on me, and many have become cherished friends.
Asking someone to "Tell me about your life" is transformative. When you listen with an open heart and mind, you build your understanding on the authentic stories you hear, not on assumptions or stereotypes. It challenges you to reconsider the foundations of your understanding and to be willing to change them. True understanding comes from hearing someone's story and gaining insight into their life, their challenges, their triumphs, and their pain. It's an invitation to connect on a deeper level and to learn from one another.
So, the next time you're with someone, whether a stranger or a friend, take a moment and ask, "Tell me about your life." You might be surprised at how much your own life changes for the better. And if you feel inspired, I'd love to hear about your life!
