SPEAKER_1: Have you ever noticed how some people just have this presence about them?
SPEAKER_1: Like, they inspire you without even saying a word.
SPEAKER_1: That's kind of what we're diving into today.
SPEAKER_1: This whole idea of the silent mentor, from a text, actually, it's called The Silent Mentor, how to guide yourself and others toward their best.
SPEAKER_1: Basically, it's about how we can inspire growth in ourselves and others, not by lecturing or anything, but through just, well, presence.
SPEAKER_2: I like that saying, be the change you want to see.
SPEAKER_2: It's about embodying the qualities you admire, letting actions, I guess, speak louder.
SPEAKER_1: Yeah, exactly.
SPEAKER_1: The text uses this analogy of a mountain reflected in a lake.
SPEAKER_1: The mountain is just there.
SPEAKER_1: It's not doing anything, but it inspires you.
SPEAKER_2: What's interesting is not just about guiding others, it's also about guiding yourself.
SPEAKER_2: It starts with self-awareness, really.
SPEAKER_1: That makes sense.
SPEAKER_1: You can't really guide someone else if you don't even, you haven't really looked at your own journey, right?
SPEAKER_1: Your own strengths and weaknesses.
SPEAKER_2: Absolutely.
SPEAKER_2: And the text has some really cool techniques for cultivating this self-awareness.
SPEAKER_2: They call it Becoming Your Own Silent Mentor.
SPEAKER_1: Okay.
SPEAKER_1: Now I'm intrigued.
SPEAKER_1: So like, what's the first step?
SPEAKER_2: Well, the first step is to embrace what they call reflective practices.
SPEAKER_2: Stuff like journaling, meditation, even using AI tools like ChatGPT.
SPEAKER_2: It's all about creating space to like think, you know, to get to know yourself better.
SPEAKER_1: Hmm.
SPEAKER_1: Yeah.
SPEAKER_1: I can see how AI could be useful for that actually.
SPEAKER_1: Help you see patterns you might not notice otherwise.
SPEAKER_1: But what if you're not into like journaling or meditation, any other ways to get that self-reflection?
SPEAKER_2: You know, they emphasize that it's not really about the specific method.
SPEAKER_2: It's about being intentional.
SPEAKER_2: Even something as simple as like taking a walk, just being present, paying attention to your senses.
SPEAKER_1: So it's about making time to just be with yourself without distractions.
SPEAKER_1: And just listen, I guess.
SPEAKER_2: Exactly.
SPEAKER_2: And once you've got that space, the next step is what they call mindful self-inquiry.
SPEAKER_1: You mean like asking the big questions.
SPEAKER_2: Yeah.
SPEAKER_2: And not being afraid to like sit with the discomfort of not knowing the answers right away.
SPEAKER_2: The text actually suggests asking yourself, what are my non-negotiables?
SPEAKER_1: Wow, that's a big one.
SPEAKER_1: It makes you really think about your values, the things you absolutely will not compromise on.
SPEAKER_2: Exactly.
SPEAKER_2: And those boundaries can change over time.
SPEAKER_2: The key is to keep asking, to keep challenging yourself.
SPEAKER_1: Okay.
SPEAKER_1: So the first step is noticing our thoughts and behaviors.
SPEAKER_1: And the second is figuring out like, why we do those things?
SPEAKER_1: What's the third step in this whole self-mentorship thing?
SPEAKER_2: The third step is where the rubber meets the road.
SPEAKER_2: It's about taking action based on what you've learned.
SPEAKER_2: It's called modeling growth through action.
SPEAKER_1: So not just thinking about it, but actually like doing something.
SPEAKER_2: Exactly.
SPEAKER_2: It's about living your values.
SPEAKER_2: If you want to be more present in your relationships, put the phone down, really listen when someone's talking, want to be more courageous, take a step toward a goal that scares you.
SPEAKER_1: It's about walking the walk, leading by example, even if it's just for yourself at first.
SPEAKER_2: Right.
SPEAKER_2: And that's where this whole silent mentor thing comes full circle, you know?
SPEAKER_2: Because when you embody those qualities, you naturally inspire other people without even trying.
SPEAKER_1: That's pretty cool.
SPEAKER_1: It's like you become like a walking example of the things you believe in.
SPEAKER_2: Exactly.
SPEAKER_2: And this brings us to the next part of our deep dive.
SPEAKER_2: How do we guide others with this whole silent approach?
SPEAKER_1: Yeah, because a lot of people, I think, struggle with giving advice even when it's well-intentioned.
SPEAKER_1: It's easy to come off as preachy or judgmental, even if you don't mean to.
SPEAKER_2: Oh yeah, for sure.
SPEAKER_2: And that's why this approach focuses on presence over persuasion.
SPEAKER_2: It's about creating a space where people feel heard, not lectured to.
SPEAKER_1: So, it's less about telling people what to do and more about helping them find their own answers.
SPEAKER_2: Exactly.
SPEAKER_2: And the texts have three key principles for this silent guidance.
SPEAKER_1: Okay, let's hear them.
SPEAKER_1: What's the first one?
SPEAKER_2: The first one is presence over persuasion.
SPEAKER_2: It sounds simple, but it can be tough.
SPEAKER_2: It's about really being there with someone, listening, not trying to jump in with your own opinions.
SPEAKER_1: That's hard for me, I gotta say.
SPEAKER_1: I'm always so quick to give advice, even when someone just needs to vent.
SPEAKER_1: How do you get better at just being present?
SPEAKER_2: It takes practice.
SPEAKER_2: One technique the text talks about is active listening.
SPEAKER_2: It's not just hearing the words, but reflecting back their feelings, showing them you get it.
SPEAKER_1: So instead of saying, oh, you should do this, or have you tried that?
SPEAKER_1: It's more like, it sounds like you're feeling really overwhelmed.
SPEAKER_1: Am I right?
SPEAKER_2: Exactly, something like that.
SPEAKER_2: Or this is obviously stressful, how can I support you?
SPEAKER_2: It's about making them feel seen, not like you're trying to fix them.
SPEAKER_1: Those are good examples, it's a different way of thinking about it.
SPEAKER_1: So that's being present.
SPEAKER_1: What's the second principle?
SPEAKER_2: The second is empathy over instruction.
SPEAKER_1: Instead of giving someone a map, you're like walking alongside them on their own path.
SPEAKER_2: I like that.
SPEAKER_2: It's about recognizing that everyone's journey is unique.
SPEAKER_2: There's no one right way to grow.
SPEAKER_1: So how do you actually do that?
SPEAKER_1: Support someone without giving them a step-by-step guide.
SPEAKER_2: One way the tech suggests is asking empowering questions.
SPEAKER_2: Instead of offering solutions, you ask questions that help them find their own.
SPEAKER_1: Like what kinds of questions?
SPEAKER_2: Well, let's say someone's stuck on a tough decision.
SPEAKER_2: Instead of saying, you should do this, you might ask, what would happen with each choice?
SPEAKER_2: What feels right for you?
SPEAKER_1: Huh.
SPEAKER_1: Those are really good.
SPEAKER_1: They make the person think for themselves, make a choice that fits them.
SPEAKER_2: Exactly.
SPEAKER_2: It's about empowering them to trust their gut, learn from their experiences.
SPEAKER_1: This is all making so much sense.
SPEAKER_1: Okay, so we've got being present, being empathetic.
SPEAKER_1: What's the third principle?
SPEAKER_2: The third is example over explanation, basically walking the walk.
SPEAKER_1: So it's not enough to just talk about being kind.
SPEAKER_1: You have to actually be kind.
SPEAKER_2: Right.
SPEAKER_2: And this is where the silent part really kicks in.
SPEAKER_2: Because when you walk the walk, other people notice.
SPEAKER_2: It inspires them.
SPEAKER_1: It's like that Gandhi quote, be the change.
SPEAKER_2: Yeah.
SPEAKER_1: But how does that actually work?
SPEAKER_1: Can you give me an example?
SPEAKER_2: Sure.
SPEAKER_2: Let's say you're trying to be more patient.
SPEAKER_2: Instead of lecturing your kids about it, you model patience yourself.
SPEAKER_2: Like take a deep breath instead of yelling.
SPEAKER_1: Yeah.
SPEAKER_2: Over time, they pick up on that.
SPEAKER_1: And then they start being more patient too.
SPEAKER_2: Yeah.
SPEAKER_2: And maybe their friends see that.
SPEAKER_2: And it keeps going.
SPEAKER_2: It's all about the choices we make, embodying the values we want to see.
SPEAKER_1: That's powerful stuff.
SPEAKER_1: It's so much better than just preaching.
SPEAKER_2: And it doesn't have to be big dramatic stuff.
SPEAKER_2: Little things count too.
SPEAKER_2: Holding the door, saying something kind, just listening without judgment, it all makes a difference.
SPEAKER_1: I like that.
SPEAKER_1: We all have the power to make things better just by being good people.
SPEAKER_2: Exactly.
SPEAKER_2: And that's the beauty of this whole approach.
SPEAKER_2: You don't have to have all the answers or be perfect.
SPEAKER_2: It's about being present, being kind, and being yourself.
SPEAKER_1: This has been really eye-opening, honestly.
SPEAKER_1: I'm getting a lot out of this.
SPEAKER_2: Me too.
SPEAKER_2: There's so much more to talk about.
SPEAKER_1: Well, we'll have to pick this up in our next segment.
SPEAKER_1: Stay tuned, everyone.
SPEAKER_1: We'll be right back.
SPEAKER_1: You know, that last part really got me thinking about my grandmother, actually.
SPEAKER_1: She never, like, sat me down for a lecture on patience or anything.
SPEAKER_1: But just watching her at, like, family dinners, those crazy holiday things, I learned so much just from seeing how she handled everything.
SPEAKER_2: That's perfect, actually.
SPEAKER_2: It reminds me of how the text talks about Monkey Tree, this creative platform for, well, exploring emotions.
SPEAKER_1: Oh, I was wondering about that.
SPEAKER_1: How does a digital platform even DO silent mentorship?
SPEAKER_2: It's wild.
SPEAKER_2: Instead of like giving advice or solutions, right?
SPEAKER_2: Monkey Tree just has these prompts and tools for self-reflection, kind of like what we were saying earlier.
SPEAKER_1: So it's like guided journaling, but with a twist.
SPEAKER_2: Exactly.
SPEAKER_2: But like with creative stuff, art, metaphors, even AI interactions, but playful ones.
SPEAKER_2: The point is, you unlock your own insights.
SPEAKER_1: It's not telling you what to think.
SPEAKER_1: It's giving you the space to figure it out yourself.
SPEAKER_2: You got it.
SPEAKER_2: That's the core of this silent mentor thing, empowering people.
SPEAKER_2: They become their own guide, you know.
SPEAKER_2: You're not giving them the path, just the support to find it.
SPEAKER_1: That connects back to like empathy over instruction.
SPEAKER_1: Right.
SPEAKER_1: But what about that ripple effect you mentioned?
SPEAKER_1: Does Monkey Tree actually like cause that?
SPEAKER_2: All the time.
SPEAKER_2: Users tell us that what they learn, it doesn't just help them.
SPEAKER_2: It spills over into their relationships too.
SPEAKER_1: So they become better partners, more patient parents, just because they did this inner work.
SPEAKER_2: That's exactly what we're seeing.
SPEAKER_2: It's like this chain reaction of, well, good stuff.
SPEAKER_2: And it starts because Monkey Tree itself, it is a silent mentor.
SPEAKER_2: Presence, empathy, setting the example.
SPEAKER_2: By giving you that space to reflect without judgment, it makes you want to do that for others.
SPEAKER_1: So even a digital thing can be compassionate.
SPEAKER_1: This is making me think about all the silent mentors I've had, teachers, coaches, even characters from books.
SPEAKER_1: They inspired me without spelling it all out.
SPEAKER_2: We all have those figures, yeah.
SPEAKER_2: And sometimes the less they push, the more their example sticks with you.
SPEAKER_1: The text has this ending line.
SPEAKER_1: It's really something.
SPEAKER_1: May you find what you seek.
SPEAKER_1: I am by your side.
SPEAKER_1: It's like perfect silent support.
SPEAKER_2: It really is.
SPEAKER_2: And it says something bigger too.
SPEAKER_2: Like beyond just personal growth, we're all in this together, figuring things out.
SPEAKER_1: It's not about knowing everything.
SPEAKER_1: It's about being there for each other, letting people be vulnerable, letting them grow.
SPEAKER_2: That's the silent mentor in a nutshell.
SPEAKER_2: And the best part, anyone can be that.
SPEAKER_2: Big ways, small ways, just be present, be kind, be yourself.
SPEAKER_1: This has been awesome, honestly.
SPEAKER_1: So thought-provoking.
SPEAKER_1: But before we wrap up, I want to bring this back to our listener.
SPEAKER_2: Yeah, good idea.
SPEAKER_1: Think about your life.
SPEAKER_1: What do you value?
SPEAKER_1: How can you live that, not just talk about it?
SPEAKER_2: How can you be a silent mentor to yourself first, make space to grow, and then how do you give that same support to the people around you?
SPEAKER_1: We'd love to hear what you think.
SPEAKER_2: Leave a comment, hit us up on social media, whatever works.
SPEAKER_1: And until next time, remember, sometimes the most powerful thing is just being, not doing.
SPEAKER_2: OK, so as we're wrapping up this whole deep dive into the silent mentor thing, I think it's important to say, this isn't about replacing all other kinds of mentorship.
SPEAKER_1: Right, it's not the only answer.
SPEAKER_1: There are definitely times when you need actual advice, direct guidance.
SPEAKER_2: Exactly, like if someone's trying to learn something really complicated, or they're going through something really tough, they might need more than just someone being there for them.
SPEAKER_2: They might need like actual instructions or professional help.
SPEAKER_1: Yeah, totally.
SPEAKER_1: I think what's cool about this concept is it gives you another way to think about mentorship, you know, influence.
SPEAKER_2: It's like adding a new tool to your toolbox, right?
SPEAKER_2: You can be smarter about when you give advice and when you just kind of give someone space to figure it out.
SPEAKER_1: And that's especially important now, I think, when there's so much information, opinions all over the place.
SPEAKER_2: It's true.
SPEAKER_2: Everyone's got a hot take, a life hack.
SPEAKER_2: It's a lot.
SPEAKER_2: It really is.
SPEAKER_2: And in all that noise, you know, a silent mentor, it can be like a breath of fresh air.
SPEAKER_1: Like this calming presence, right?
SPEAKER_1: It helps you get back to like what you believe, what's important to you.
SPEAKER_2: You know, it's funny thinking about all this.
SPEAKER_2: I've been remembering the people who were silent mentors for me, teachers, people I worked with, even friends.
SPEAKER_2: They didn't tell me what to do, really.
SPEAKER_2: But just seeing how they lived, it inspired me.
SPEAKER_1: I've been thinking about that, too.
SPEAKER_1: It's crazy how those subtle things, they can really change your whole direction.
SPEAKER_2: It makes you realize we can all be that for others, you know.
SPEAKER_1: You don't need a fancy title or anything.
SPEAKER_2: Just live your life right.
SPEAKER_2: Be kind.
SPEAKER_2: Be aware.
SPEAKER_2: You'll make a difference.
SPEAKER_1: So to everyone listening, as we finish up here, think about the silent mentors in your life.
SPEAKER_2: Who's inspired you just by being themselves, how they act, how they are.
SPEAKER_1: And then think, how can you be that for someone else?
SPEAKER_2: Remember, the biggest changes, they often happen quietly.
SPEAKER_1: Yeah, like a seed.
SPEAKER_1: You don't see it at first, but it's growing underground.
SPEAKER_2: Let's all try to be the kind of silent mentors we wish we had.
SPEAKER_2: Helping ourselves and everyone else to live better, be more mindful, be kind.
SPEAKER_1: Thanks for joining us on this deep dive, everyone.
SPEAKER_1: Until next time, keep learning, keep growing, and keep being the change.