Why do you ask?

I’m curious. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself your motive for asking questions? 

In a recent gathering with several brilliant friends, I was struck by the silence of one of the women. While the majority of us were sharing our latest updates, this one individual simply sat in silence with a bit of an odd expression on her face. 

To say that I found it unsettling is an understatement. 

My mind immediately raced to understand what she must be thinking.

Was she judging us?

Was she upset with us?

Was she annoyed?

Was she impatient?

The list of possibilities grew and grew, each query bringing with it more anxiety. 

I caught myself immediately wanting to jump in to see if she was OK. 

Another friend beat me to the punch. 

“Lorraine, Is everything alright?” my friend asked. 

Lorraine’s reply was emotionless. “Why do you ask?” 

“Because you’re being so quiet. I’m curious if you really want to be here.” 

What came after this statement was life-changing. 

Lorraine simply took a deep breath, paused, and said - 

“I’m practicing being with my why. 

I’m playing with pausing to ask myself why I am asking questions. 

What is my motive? “

She went on - 

“When I began checking my motives, I became aware that I was engaging with others for the wrong reasons. I was often trying to fix them, or to prove I was right. Or to compete.” 

“I’m just being with myself right now and asking why I want to ask the questions of each of you that are forming in my mind. I’m taking time to decipher if my motives are pure.” 

Wow. 

Wow.

Wow.

What a profound practice!! 

I’m choosing to practice this too.  I’m choosing to literally check my motives at the door(way) of all conversations. 

Care to join me? 

Why do I ask? 

Because I’m genuinely, deeply committed to helping thousands (maybe millions) to expand their capacity with new levels of consciousness. It’s what I do best.