Silent and Deep Listening

“The intimacy that arises in listening and speaking truth is only possible if we can be open to the vulnerability to our own hearts. Breathing in, connecting to the life that is right here, is our first step. Once we have held ourselves with kindness, we can touch others in a vital and healing way.” –Tara Brach

Listening to oneself silently is a profound dimension of awakening and awareness, a way of knowing the truth of our self and being intimate with our self. Listening silently to the other is a profound way of knowing the other and being intimate with the other. Genuine bonding takes place when we listen to our self silently and deeply and the other silently and deeply.

Silent and deep listening has the following qualities: curiosity, caring, compassion, courage, friendliness, non-judging, interest, openness and receptivity. We can wisely respond to the other if we silently and deeply listen to the other.

Why do we not listen to our self and other silently and deeply? Not enough time? Preoccupied mind? Fear of finding something we do not want to see? Fear of changing our default habitual patterns? Hearing the truth? Fear of being our true self?

Intentionality is the door that opens the door to listening. I intend to listen silently and deeply to uncover myself, to know the different layers of myself and become an integrated whole and wholesome person.

Exercise: Bring to your mind someone you know who is a good listener. What qualities do you see in that person that helps you to be open to that person? Explore how such an experience helps you to be yourself and be connected with that person.

Exercise: Bring to your mind someone you know who is not a good listener. What qualities you see in that person that blocks the flow of communication between both of you? What can you do to remove that barrier between both of you?

Have an anchor to cultivate the skills of deep and silent listening. Use your breath as an anchor to be consciously present. When the mind wanders, bring it back to your breathing. Listen with the ears of your caring, open and compassionate heart.