Listen
“In
truth, listening is the first step to peace. When we dare to quiet
our minds and all the thoughts we inherit, the differences between us
move back, and the things we have in common move forward.”
Mark Nepo
(“How to Listen to Your Life” Oprah.com)
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! This is the day we gather round the heavy laden table, if we are
so fortunate, eat as much as we want, and then eat a little more. We
talk, we laugh, and we celebrate family and friends. We give thanks,
in word and deed, for all that connects us. Many families have placed
a ban on political discussion today—and that's a smart thing to do.
We need a break from the constant debate of right and wrong. Here's a
suggestion for making this day not only celebratory, but
holy—practice listening.
As a species, we
underestimate the power of listening—not just hearing with the
intention to respond—but truly listening with heart open and no
focus on rebuttal. This is so rare and so mysteriously powerful, that
it can quite literally change lives, and most definitely, change
relationships. Listening with the heart involves suspending judgment
about content or past history. Maybe there is a relative with whom
you have always disagreed, the very sight of whom causes your hackles
to rise. Try, just for today, to suspend those prickly feelings and
simply listen. Listen to the content of the words, and listen also to
the underlying feelings expressed. Do this, not so much to cut them a
break, but to practice your own ability to love unconditionally.
Listening with an open heart is perhaps the most difficult spiritual practice
of all.
In the words of Mark
Nepo, “Listening is a way to embody the one life we're given, a
way to personalize the practice of being human.” If you are
able to spend one day truly listening, you will feel the profound
impact of connection right away. Being fully present, not just with
your head, but present with your wholeness, is the greatest gift you
can give on this Thanksgiving day—to yourself, and to others.
In the Spirit,
Jane
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