Listening

Listening can mean many different things:

LISTEN AND HEAL: TO BE LISTENED TO IS TO BE HEALED

LISTENING AS A HEALING EXPERIENCE.

LISTEN LESS TO SELF TALK (VOICE IN OUR HEAD)

LISTEN MORE TO SPEAKER (BE ATTENTIVE)

Hearing others without listening to them is an art in itself. It is often said, throughout conversation “listen to the words that are coming out of my mouth”, “focus please”, “stop interrupting”. Can you imagine the relief gained when one is able to express themselves even if they are wrong and the other person is able to hear the message even if they are right.

It is often argued that when one refuses to listen or continues to interrupt, that this is a sign of fear and / or insecurity as if one does not want to hear the message even if they believe it to be true; this is just like the ostrich wishing to bury its head in the sand believing an illusion, that the danger has gone away.

We should confront our fears and insecurity and not run away from them. Even if agreeing to disagree is what is reached; in the end this should be viewed as a successful conversation as each person was capable to listen and understand the other's point of view.

In practice, each task becomes a lifestyle issue, a way to live meditatively.

Listen less to the chatter, commentaries and conversations which go on in our minds by listening more fully to family, friends, workmates, especially in times of conflict, without any desire to change or criticize what is being said. See how much of the time we spend listening to ‘thinking’. When stressed, note down the sorts of things we are listening to in the mind. Problems in communication are the source of much stress and they produce alienation, conflict and loneliness. Effective communication breaks down barriers between people and resolves conflict; but the key is that communication begins with listening, not talking. How often do you forget someone's name immediately after you are introduced to this person?

Good luck and keep practicing.

If you have any queries or you would like to book into a personal- or group-based meditation and lifestyle stress management program, please contact Dr. Robert Kaldawi directly on 0412399876 or write to us through the contact page.