The promise of this book is that you can learn to listen from the essence of your being by taking a few minutes a day for quiet time with your authentic self. These reflections will introduce you to listening beyond words. The subtitle is the practice of listening at work. The illustrations provide an opportunity to help you see the wisdom that lies within your own heart.
This sample reflection is taken from Chapter One.
QUALITIES OF DEEP LISTENING
Listening for essence
Perhaps one of the most precious and powerful gifts we give another person is to really listen to them, to listen with quiet, fascinated attention, with our whole being, fully present. This sounds simple, but if we are honest with ourselves, we do not often listen to each other so completely.
Listening is a creative force. Something quite wonderful occurs when we are listened to fully. We expand, ideas come to life and grow, we remember who we are. Some speak of this force as a creative fountain within us that springs forth, others call it the inner spirit, intelligence, true self. Whatever this force is called, it shrivels up when we are not listened to and thrives when we are.
The way we listen actually can allow another to bring forth what is true and alive to them. Sometimes we have to do a lot of listening before the fountain is replenished. Have you ever noticed how some people seem to have a need to talk? They go on and on, usually in a very superficial, nervous manner. This is often because they have not been truly listened to. Patience is required to listen to such a person long enough that they get to their center point of tranquility and peace. The results of such listening are extraordinary. Some would call them miracles.
Listening well takes time, skill and a readiness to slow down, to let go of expectations, judgments, boredom, self-assertiveness, defensiveness. I've noticed once people experience the depth of being listened to like this, they also begin to listen to others in this way.
Listening is an art that calls for practice. Imagine if we all spent just a few minutes each day practicing the art of listening, of being fully present with the person we are with. There would be a collective sigh of contentment and joy. Listen!
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Listening is a creative force that teaches patience.
