Listening is a spiritual discipline whose importance is often overlooked. It’s something I gradually became aware that I knew. There are several posts on this blog where I’ve commented before here, and again here, and this one.
My grandson was squirming at dinner the other evening. Mom was correcting him–that’s what they do, of course. I mentioned that I had a lot of trouble sitting still. Especially in meetings, I’ll start sitting upright, maybe move to half-lotus position, then gradually slouch, then realize I’m almost laying back and start the entire process again.
My daughter said she was that way, but had to train herself to remain seated erectly. She’s a mental health therapist. First, she must show her adolescent clients how to sit. Second, she must show by posture and body language that she is engaged and listening to them.
Good point. If I were truly engaged in the meeting, I’d be upright and energetic. Taking notes. Asking questions. Maybe I should train myself to believe that I’m interested so that I can maintain interest.
That’s the reason posture is so important in prayer, meditation and contemplation. How interested are you in a conversation with God if you are slouching? To be an attentive listener, your body must also be attentive.
