I've been listening to a lot of voices who seem to be talking about the same subject: Listening.
Recently, I watched this excerpt from the movie Waking Life on YouTube:
Recently, I watched this excerpt from the movie Waking Life on YouTube:
"Zombie Auto-pilot"...Wow, what a frightening thought! If we're on auto-pilot, then there is no intentionality in our day-to-day life- and certianly no life in our life. Living that way, I'm sure is not living the abundant life to which Christ has call us.
It's got me wondering how often I am actually present in a conversation, waiting for the next words to be spoken...because, very often, the opposite is taking place- I am waiting for that person to finish speaking, so that I can convey my oh-so-important point.
That's not listening. That's not participating in conversation. It does violence to the other. It devalues their personhood. It lacks sensitivity and, most importantly, it is not Christlike.
I don't do it all the time- but I do it enough. So, I decided that I need to stop doing it altogether.
In conjunction with this, I am revisiting Henri Nouwen's A Spirituality of Waiting, and am realizing that to concept of listening and waiting are intricately connected. Nouwen describes a waiting that is active, not passive. He describes a waiting that leaves open space for the growth and nurture of "something." Finally, he discusses the importance of recognising the importance of and need for not only an active waiting, but a waiting period in which one is acted upon.
As I go about my day performing the mundane tasks that are required for continued existence, I am beginning to re-train myself to be present in the moment, present to the moment, and alive and waiting actively with expectation (pregnant hope, if your will) for something wonderful to burst forth. In doing so, every interaction with another becomes an opportunity to experience a divine appointment, and to be acted upon by God through the lives of others.
And so, I am on a journey to stop living like an ant...
In order to do this, I am going to actively strengthen my ability to practice the Spirituality of Waiting and the Spirituality of Listening.
Here are some tips I'm going to try in doing this that I got from reading a blog entitled Blog One Another:
Exercises to Develop the Spirituality of Listening:
•Observe yourself during conversations. When the other person is talking, are you listening, or are you thinking about what you will say next?
•Break out of "ant auto-pilot". The next time you are buying something and the cashier says, "How are you today," can you turn the programmed ritual into a conversation? Ask for their opinion about something, even something random. When they say, "Thank you and have a good day," don't reply, "Thanks, you too," as you look at your receipt. Instead, look them in the eyes, thank them by name, and give them a blessing.
•The next time you have a disagreement, ask yourself, "What if they are right?" Even with something you think is flat-out wrong, say a quick prayer: "Master, show me the grain of truth in what they are saying."
•When somebody agrees with you, remind yourself that they see the world through their own experiences, for their own purposes. Does that deflate your pride somewhat?
•Practice listening to strangers, acquaintances, colleagues, friends, and family. Try it at home, at work, at school, on the street. Where is it easier or harder? With whom is it easier or harder?
•Invite yourself to someones home for a meal. Invite others to your home. Listen, and let these moments change you.
I'll keep you posted on my progress...
It's got me wondering how often I am actually present in a conversation, waiting for the next words to be spoken...because, very often, the opposite is taking place- I am waiting for that person to finish speaking, so that I can convey my oh-so-important point.
That's not listening. That's not participating in conversation. It does violence to the other. It devalues their personhood. It lacks sensitivity and, most importantly, it is not Christlike.
I don't do it all the time- but I do it enough. So, I decided that I need to stop doing it altogether.
In conjunction with this, I am revisiting Henri Nouwen's A Spirituality of Waiting, and am realizing that to concept of listening and waiting are intricately connected. Nouwen describes a waiting that is active, not passive. He describes a waiting that leaves open space for the growth and nurture of "something." Finally, he discusses the importance of recognising the importance of and need for not only an active waiting, but a waiting period in which one is acted upon.
As I go about my day performing the mundane tasks that are required for continued existence, I am beginning to re-train myself to be present in the moment, present to the moment, and alive and waiting actively with expectation (pregnant hope, if your will) for something wonderful to burst forth. In doing so, every interaction with another becomes an opportunity to experience a divine appointment, and to be acted upon by God through the lives of others.
And so, I am on a journey to stop living like an ant...
In order to do this, I am going to actively strengthen my ability to practice the Spirituality of Waiting and the Spirituality of Listening.
Here are some tips I'm going to try in doing this that I got from reading a blog entitled Blog One Another:
Exercises to Develop the Spirituality of Listening:
•Observe yourself during conversations. When the other person is talking, are you listening, or are you thinking about what you will say next?
•Break out of "ant auto-pilot". The next time you are buying something and the cashier says, "How are you today," can you turn the programmed ritual into a conversation? Ask for their opinion about something, even something random. When they say, "Thank you and have a good day," don't reply, "Thanks, you too," as you look at your receipt. Instead, look them in the eyes, thank them by name, and give them a blessing.
•The next time you have a disagreement, ask yourself, "What if they are right?" Even with something you think is flat-out wrong, say a quick prayer: "Master, show me the grain of truth in what they are saying."
•When somebody agrees with you, remind yourself that they see the world through their own experiences, for their own purposes. Does that deflate your pride somewhat?
•Practice listening to strangers, acquaintances, colleagues, friends, and family. Try it at home, at work, at school, on the street. Where is it easier or harder? With whom is it easier or harder?
•Invite yourself to someones home for a meal. Invite others to your home. Listen, and let these moments change you.
I'll keep you posted on my progress...
I'm glad you're trying the exercises! I hope you will post a follow-up describing what happens. I really like what you shared about waiting — I will try to make myself aware of that.
ReplyDelete- Jon from "blog one another"