To be able to balance on one foot as we teach in Yoga, the key isn’t balance itself. Or even thinking about balance. The key is to empty your mind, focus on a stationary point and place all your attention on that point. As in all Yoga poses, you also must attend to your breath. You must train yourself to breathe in a slow, rhythmic pace.
It occurred to me recently while teaching a new student how to balance, that listening requires many of the same attributes. Emptying your mind, for example. If your mind is full of thoughts there is no room for a new thought that might come from the person, reading or God to whom you should be listening.
Do you know the phenomenon called reflecting? I know someone who does this–a lot. He says something to you and then “hears” you say it. Then he tells others you said something, when in fact, he said it. That is disconcerting to the other person. Why does that happen? The “hearer” is actually so wrapped up in him/her self that listening never occurs.
Try this the next time you are in conversation with a person–or with God. Take a deep breath. Exhale. Clear your mind of thoughts. Focus on the person or on God. Place all your attention there. You’ll be amazed at the results. You may learn something new. You may change your life.
Faith Venture 
July 6, 2012 at 10:11 am |
[…] 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. […]