I cannot say enough good things about this book.  This listening strategy is a great skill to know.  Very helpful in family and community life. 
P for pause
L for listen
E for echo
D for disarm and understand
G for give your thoughts and feelings
E stay engaged in the communication process

Personally I think the most challenging step is the "disarm and understand".  At this point time has been taken to  "pause" and maybe a  time to "cool off".  We have "listened".  We have "echoed" what we have heard.  And now it is time to understand why this person feels the way they feel.  It may require a prayer to be able to do this.  Usually it helps to be sorry for what has happened.  It may require not thinking about what you want.  I am told that when a person feels heard they experience a great sigh of relief.

We would love to host PLEDGE Retreats.  Books will be included.  There will be time to learn and to discuss and practice.  Call today to book your business or group for a Weekend Getaway and to learn this communication strategy.   

Spring Street Retreat is the perfect place to gather for a retreat.  A place and time  set aside to gain new information and inspiration.  This home is an inspiration.  When we found it -it was ready to be turned into the home that it was created to be.  The previous owners had worked to restore this home to its original floor plan while living there for 30 years.  Our vision was to make it a comfortable place for guests and to enjoy all the wonderful things happening in the Flint Hills. 

One of our favorite books is A Pledge to Remember by Mark Oelze MA.  In this allegory he utilized the steps he found to help many couples and families over 40 years of marriage counseling.  These steps are all about how to communicate effectively.  And these steps are helpful for all situations.

Mark identified the best way to love someone is to listen to them.  He identified these steps of pausing, listening, echoing, disarming and understanding feelings, giving your story if asked, and engaging this process over and over.  

Bob and I are looking forward to learning more together with guests who gather  to receive this book and spend a weekend learning and discussing it together.  Our five guestrooms are perfect for 5 couples.  

The beauty and peace of this iconic home is a natural place to let the "peace and quiet" open a place in your mind for new thoughts and ideas.  A small respite from  all the cares and concerns of daily life.  And we welcome you to take some time do this. 

Upcoming in the weeks ahead I will be introducing "books" that have  been impactful in my life and one that we would like to share with you some weekend when there are others who would like to begin this journey.

These  books are proposed as wonderful Retreat Weekends and a time to learn, grow and build relationships.   Your Weekend Getaway will begin with Friday night sunset, snacks and games, and an introduction to the featured book.  After a good nights rest we will gather for a hot breakfast and another session and time for discussion. 

We will explore main street and enjoy lunch.  We will meet for another session and discussion and then enjoy the Tallgrass Preserve hiking trails.  We will gather for dinner at another one of the excellent restaurants.  And meet for another session and discussion. 
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We will meet again for hot breakfast and enjoy one of the wonderful local church services.  We will meet one last time  for lunch and our final discussion before returning to our normal lives.  I guarantee you will feel refreshed and ready to face the challenges in your life.  Thank you for your consideration and I hope you will reach out soon to schedule a retreat at Spring Street Retreat. 

It is going on 10 years that we found Spring Street Retreat.   Taking on the project was certainly scary.  But, I am so pleased how it turned out.  We have hosted many guests.  And all have been so wonderful!  It has been a pleasure and joy to meet our guests and to prepare a hot breakfast for them.  It is wonderful and unique home that is a joy to care for.  And perfect for people visiting the the Tallgrass Preserve and enjoying some time in the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas. 
 
Thank you to all of our guests and the amazing community.  It is a community full of "community spirit", love, care and concern for neighbors.  It is the merchants, restaurateurs and artists working hard and risking capital and time to provide a delightful stroll down the iconic main street finding made-in -America treasures.  It is the people living and working to provide an excellent education.  It is the people working to provide medical care.  It is the city and county workers taking care of community property and people.   It is an agricultural area with much work and investment yields its bounty each year of cattle and grains that are enjoyed all over the world.  It is solid rock that has been used to build many structures and roads.  It is all the others who have found a variety of livelihoods and a safe place to live. ​
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We wish all our neighbors and guests the best and many blessings this year.