When we begin to listen with
our hearts rather than our heads, our whole community changes and becomes
softer.
Most of us were born and raised in cultures that value the head over the heart
and, as a result, we place our own hearts below our heads in a sort of inner
hierarchy of which we may not be conscious. What this means is that we tend to
listen and respond from the neck up, often leaving the rest of our bodies with
little or no say in most matters. This is a physical habit, which sometimes
feels as ingrained as the way we breathe or walk. However, with effort and
awareness, we can shift the energy into our hearts, listening and responding
from this much deeper, more resonant place.
The brain has a masterful way of imposing structure and order on the world,
creating divisions and categories, devising plans and strategies. In many ways,
we have our brains to thank for our survival on this planet. However, as is so
clear at this time, we also need the wisdom of our hearts if we wish to
continue surviving in a viable way. When we listen from our heart, the logical
grid of the brain tends to soften and melt, which enables us to perceive the
interconnectedness beneath the divisions and categories we use to organize the
world. We begin to understand that just as the heart underlies the brain, this
interconnectedness underlies everything.
Many agree that this is the most important work we can do at this time in
history, and there are many practices at our disposal. For a simple start, try
sitting with a friend and asking him to tell you about his life at this moment.
For 10 minutes or more, try to listen without responding verbally, offering
suggestions, or brainstorming solutions. Instead, breathe into your heart and
your belly, listening and feeling instead of thinking. When you do this, you
may find that it's much more difficult to offer advice and much easier to
identify with the feelings your friend is sharing. You may also find that your
friend opens up more, goes deeper, and feels he has really been heard. If you
also feel great warmth and compassion, almost as if you are seeing your friend
for the first time, then you will know that you have begun to tap the power of
listening with your heart.
Pages
I AM...
I am whatever YOU think I am until YOU get to KNOW me. This is true for everyone else too, of course.. so don't make assumptions about anyone or pass judgment; ask questions. You might just make a new friend.
Followers
Sunday, May 29, 2022
LESS THINKING & MORE FEELING 👂🏽 LISTENING TO YOUR COMMUNITY 🏳️🌈 WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART ❤️
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