I Will Not Interrupt You

What would it feel like if you were able to keep talking? If you spelled out all the thoughts you’re thinking over and over in your head and then get new, exciting thoughts to think about? Just like that, because someone is sitting next to or in front of you and is listening to you, but won’t say anything and won’t interrupt you.

How would it feel if you could finish your own thoughts without being interrupted? And if you were then given no advice, tips, compassionate ramblings, or other comments, but were simply asked at the highest level a quick question, “What else are you thinking or feeling right now?” with no agenda of your own.

What if you could trust your counterpart to really listen and not interrupt you, to give you time, space, and attention to think? Would you be willing to think further and maybe even say out loud what you had previously thought but kept to yourself? I want to give you time to think for yourself.

I promise that I won’t interrupt you. Until you are done. And then I won’t give you a critique, a tip, or a life lesson, but I will just ask you if you’re really done thinking and if you need my thinking along at all. Perhaps we can think further together. But only if you enjoy it and for as long as you want.

Is that all right with you? Would you enjoy having a space like that, where you could spend half an hour concentrating without being interrupted? Or does it make you nervous, insecure because you’re no longer used to thinking for yourself, and you’ve become so used to the many interruptions from others and from yourself that every little ring from your smartphone is a welcome interruption to avoid the deeper thoughts with potentially drastic consequences?

In my previous life as a journalist, I was used to researching for other people and trying to package the essence of the information as much as possible in easily digestible morsels. I wanted to inspire others. I always saw my work as an invitation to think more deeply. But let’s be honest, who actually has the time for that?

It is not enough to just read, understand and listen. We have to understand it and use the knowledge. But that takes time and energy. If you don’t have time to think further, then what’s the point of all the nice preliminary work, the literature, the countless lists and the many TED Talks?

I don’t want to collect anything for you, prepare it bite-sized, and hope that it tastes good. I just want to be mindful, follow your thoughts, and be present. Nothing more. 

I want to listen to you and help you think for yourself. As long as it continues. Then move on. Because your thoughts are the best – if you dare and give your thoughts space.

Are you ready? Let me know, and I’ll listen without interrupting.