Opening: Purpose Without Pressure (Critical)
Hill warned against urgency. In listening-state design, pressure is noise. The opening should orient the mind toward clarity, not effort—so resistance drops and receptivity increases.
The rule
Do not promise answers. Do not demand outcomes. Create a safe space where nothing has to happen.
A Hill-aligned opening posture
- Permission: “There is nothing you need to do here.”
- Orientation: “This space exists for clarity, not effort.”
- Time horizon: “Whatever arises can be evaluated later.”
- Agency: “You remain in control; you can stop at any time.”