‘Oprah’s Lifeclass,’ held in Harpo studios in Chicago, is kryptonite for fabulists, wannabes and self-deceivers.
Introspection comes at you hard, and Oprah demands honest answers that only you can provide: What is your purpose? How will you define your life? What are you going to do right now to initiate the change you seek?
Today’s Lifeclass taping focused on having tough conversations with loved ones. Iyanla Vanzant, one of the Lifeclass instructors, discussed the necessary steps to take before launching into a difficult conversation.
One pearl of wisdom Vanzant shared: “Listening happens from within; hearing comes from the outside.”
In other words, you must hear what the person is saying to you, acknowledge it, repeat it to them so that they know you have heard them, and then internalize what was discussed. What did that person say? What do you think they meant by what they said? And so on.
Oprah and Vanzant revealed that they had a tough conversation years ago, when Vanzant alerted the Oprah staff that a different network had offered her a talk show. Oprah thought Vanzant was forcing her hand; Vanzant felt that Oprah didn’t want her around. Both ladies had the tough conversation — on national television, no les — -and today they are back together on OWN.
“Oprah’s Lifeclass” is more than a talk show, it’s an interactive learning experience that embraces social media. Audience members were allowed to take pictures with their cell phones and Tweet them during the taping–that also includes live video feedback from Lifeclass viewers from around the globe.
Oprah’s curiosity and Iyanla Vanzant’s in-your-face realism, makes “Oprah’s Lifeclass” an intimate, educational event that should not be missed.
This is reality TV at its absolute best.
“Oprah’s Lifeclass” is on the OWN TV.
