Listening is always a life giving act.
Joan Chittister
I’ve learned that when positioning my next words in a conversation I am no longer listening. I’ve proven that too many times. I’ve also seen in the eyes of another when they are no longer listening. I have also experienced the gift of fully listening to another as well as knowing the gift of being listened to. Seems that those life giving conversations happen when both are experienced by both. My reflection and journaling on her quote have lead me to see other areas in my life where listening is important such as prayer, or when an author or poet expresses in words what I needed to hear, or a bird’s song of joy, or the whisper/howling of the wind, or the words written in the pages of my journal or the knowing voice deep within. I agree that every moment of listening is a life-giving act for both parties. Hope you enjoy your Sunday!
2 Comments
Tom Dills
One of the hardest things about conversation is being able to listen to someone completely instead of being distracted by composing a reply. Some do it better than others.
Monte Stevens
I know some who think they do it better than others. It is very difficult to see ourselves as others do and are not willing to admit they are that way. Hope you have a wonderful Sunday!!