Key Takeaways:
- Paul Jenkinson embarked on a cross-Canada "listening tour" to invite strangers to share their stories and be heard.
- He traveled over 23,000 kilometers, relying on the generosity of strangers and staying with people he had never met before.
- Jenkinson’s approach was simple: he set up in public spaces with a sign that read "You are not alone; I will listen" and invited people to sit down and share their stories.
- He learned that people are generally kind-hearted and willing to open up to strangers when given the opportunity.
- Jenkinson’s experience taught him the importance of active listening and the impact it can have on people’s lives.
Introduction to the Listening Tour
Paul Jenkinson, a 70-year-old retired social worker, embarked on a unique journey across Canada this year. Unlike many others who travel for leisure or to raise money for charity, Jenkinson’s motivation was to listen to people’s stories and provide a platform for them to be heard. He set out on a cross-Canada "listening tour," traveling from coast to coast with a simple approach: he would set up in public spaces with two chairs, a folding table, and a sandwich board that read "You are not alone; I will listen." Jenkinson’s goal was to invite strangers to sit down, share their stories, and be heard, free of charge.
The Journey Across Canada
Jenkinson’s journey took him over 23,000 kilometers, and he relied on the generosity of strangers along the way. He stayed with people he had never met before, and his experience was marked by kindness and human connection. In an interview with As It Happens, Jenkinson shared some of the moments that stood out to him during his journey. He recalled meeting a grandmother and her grandchild who were spreading the grandmother’s husband’s ashes, and a young woman who was struggling with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Jenkinson’s listening ear and non-judgmental approach helped these individuals to open up and share their stories.
The Power of Active Listening
Jenkinson’s experience taught him the importance of active listening and its impact on people’s lives. He learned that when people feel heard and understood, they are more likely to open up and share their stories. Jenkinson emphasized the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental space for people to share their thoughts and feelings. He also learned that people are generally kind-hearted and willing to help others, and that even small acts of kindness, such as offering a listening ear or a Jolly Rancher, can make a big difference in someone’s life.
Lessons Learned
One of the key lessons Jenkinson learned during his journey was the importance of approaching conversations with an open mind and a willingness to listen. He advised against starting conversations with "I am" statements, which can lead to defensiveness and polarization. Instead, he suggested starting with open-ended questions that invite the other person to share their thoughts and feelings. Jenkinson also emphasized the importance of watching how people respond to being listened to, and whether they leave the conversation feeling more alive, downcast, or angry. By paying attention to these cues, individuals can gauge the impact of their listening and adjust their approach to create a more positive and supportive conversation.
Conclusion
Paul Jenkinson’s cross-Canada "listening tour" was a unique and powerful experiment in human connection. By creating a space for people to share their stories and be heard, Jenkinson was able to tap into the kindness and generosity of strangers and build meaningful relationships with people from all walks of life. His experience highlights the importance of active listening and the impact it can have on people’s lives. As Jenkinson’s journey comes to an end, his story serves as a reminder of the power of human connection and the importance of creating spaces for people to share their stories and be heard.