We live in a loud, yet deaf world. Many people seem to run on adrenaline restlessly trying to achieve and prove. Such a self-absorbed and anxious life makes us deaf to others who try to speak to us. Even when we converse, we seem preoccupied with how we need to respond to the other or are engrossed in our own selfish motives. Listening is not only a physical and mental skill but also a priceless and much-needed spiritual exercise. Henry Nouwen says, “Listening is a form of spiritual hospitality by which we invite strangers to become friends.”[1] Listening helps us enter the inner world of others, the many complex layers of joys and sorrows, that otherwise we would miss.
It is not easy to listen. Listening requires of us “so much of interior stability that we no longer need to prove ourselves by speeches, arguments, statements, or declarations. True listeners no longer have an inner need to make their presence known. They are free to receive, to welcome, to accept.”[2] Listening creates a safe and healing environment for others to pour out their hearts without fear of being judged or rejected. Listening as spiritual hospitality allows us to welcome others as they are into our world. In such a sacred space, others can feel deeply valued and begin to heal. Can we add listening as spiritual hospitality to our range of spiritual exercises?
It's a nice piece of writing. 👍
ReplyDeleteWell said. Let’s learn to listen.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful article! If we listened more carefully to those that need our ears, perhaps we could get them closer to the Lord and do much good.
ReplyDeleteFather John. It was a blessing to hear from you again. When you say listening can be a blessing it is true. When my husband passed away my daughter and I went to bereavement classes. After I finished my class I went to the classes to help others and just listening helped me heal. I hope the people morning a loss felt the same way.
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