Listening

It's ironic that I'm sitting here, typing about listening.  It's ironic because I'm typing (not actually listening) and it's ironic because writing is about creating something to listen to rather than actually listening.  It's akin to, "Let me tell you how to listen."

Listening has so many cliches associated with it that it can be hard to not react reflexively when we hear a discussion or a diatribe about it.  That is, it can be hard to listen when we talk about listening because of all the noise in our heads about the idea.  It can be hard not only to listen but even just to hear.

In fairness, most of us most of the time won't have the wherewithal to really listen.  Schedules, emergencies and celebrations all foster a kind of reaction that goes immediately from hearing to reacting.  Listening is usually not a part of this circuit and even then happens only well after the fact.

At core, listening involves something that is very very hard for me.  That is, vulnerability.  To really listen, we have to quiet our cherished beliefs, tender places and even deep hurts long enough to really listen to the voice of the other soul.  And it's really important to note here that the other soul in this conversation can even be God.

I think that true listening is one of the things that gives human beings their greatest value.  We can listen and hear each other, the angels of heaven and even the God of creation and redemption.  Of course, we can listen to the wrong things and as a result hear great evil as well.

It's worth bearing in mind that the things we speak or otherwise communicate may well be listened to by someone else, or even taken to heart.  Again, another cliche:  Our speaking in conjunction with someone else's listening can deliver either blessing or curse.  Either of these can continue for years or even generations.

I do not mind either argument or confrontation.  I used to, but not any more.  That's both good and bad.  The bad part is, and I can say this from personal experience, listening in the context of confrontation is possible but very very rare.  Listening in the middle of conflict involves allowing yourself to be vulnerable even though your blood is up.  In fact, this might be the most important time to truly listen.

In all circumstances, I aspire to greater vulnerability.  I aspire to listen more.