Listening
More and more, I need to listen before I know what to say. Sometimes I am listening to other people, to myself, to the world around me, or to silence. Being open to receiving is a prerequisite to being open to share.
A friend of mine told me that I am practicing to be an introvert. I hope it is about becoming a better listener.
I am discovering the power of listening. Listening is more than hearing. Listening is not the same as pausing, taking a breath, or thinking about what I will say next while someone else talks. Listening is not about getting someone else to say what I want them to say. Listening is deeper.
Listening is about helping another person hear what they are saying and not saying, even if they are not putting it into words.
Listening is a way of paying respect, and a way of paying attention. It is now possible for me to listen to people all over the world face to face, and more and more difficult to find people who are able to listen deeply. People have told me that I am the only person who ever listens to them.
I believe in the power of listening. I discover the deep significance of listening when I take time to listen, and when someone takes time to listen to me.
Listening puts me in touch with the deeper rhythms of life. Learning to listen is teaching me to value silence and free myself from distractions. Listening allows me to recognize and appreciate the presence of the holy in everyday life. Listening is healing.
Take some time today, even if it is five minutes, to listen.
What would you tell someone who was listening to you?
What will you listen to today?
[Image by The Wandering Angel]
6 Comments
Jennifer Olney
May 30, 2012I will listen to the voice within and heed its call. This is a beautiful post, Greg. Thank you for sharing.
Strategic Monk
May 30, 2012Thank you, Jen. Listening, and being listened to, has opened doors and windows for me. Listening is powerful.
Monika
May 30, 2012Thank you, Greg. Although I did not hear you audibly, I was able to listen to your writer’s voice – your true-self voice – in this post. Your post resonated with me, especially since I am entering my time of summer renewal. I hope to be able to rest in the silence, and “listen deeply” to the small, still voice within.
I hope you continue to share your thoughts about listening.
Strategic Monk
May 30, 2012Thank you, Monika. I appreciate your listening, and look forward to listening and sharing more. Have a good rest.
Linda Hollier
May 31, 2012Thank you Greg for this lovely piece on listening. I am reminded of St. Benedict who spoke of listening with the ears of the heart. I believe you are putting this into practice.
Strategic Monk
May 31, 2012Thank you, Linda. I appreciate your words, and hope that I am practicing the core values of Benedict’s Rule. It means a lot to me.