A gift I’m trying to nourish and nurture these times is what I call Reflective Listening. What is reflective listening? Firstly, it has no fear of silence. I believe it means listening with compassion, without judgment and speaking from the heart.
Today, in our world, finding answers is one of our goals – leaving no stone unturned to solve problems, answer questions, wanting to know why, what, where and when.
We want to know now. We are trained to listen for answers.
Reflective listening is a skill and enrichment we can all develop, I believe. The key is distinguishing a response from an answer. In other words, it is a way of getting to know your inner voice – that is challenging and it takes time, lots of time.
I find it helpful to take a few breaths before responding to a situation, question or comment – that helps me to get in touch with my inner wisdom and to deepen my understanding that I’m not listening for an answer but that I’m listening for a response.
That practice slows me down, helps me to be patient with myself and to be more alert to the inner voice.
Why not have a go at deepening your reflective listening???
B. O’ S.