LISTENING AS GIVING I

Star Ford, Quaker writer and Crisis Counselor in New Mexico wrote:

“People feel heard when the listener is empathetic without subtly trying to steer them. Since feeling heard is perhaps the greatest need in a crisis, listening meets that need and helps someone stabilize their own situation. Feeling heard can also bring clarity and order, which allows someone to identify the change they need to make.

Listening carefully is like forming an opinion of two for the one speaking… The kind of movement that can happen when we are heard at the point of deepest despair can feel like a door opening, like the movement of the Spirit.”

As I read the line above, ‘Listening carefully is like forming an opinion of two for the one speaking,’ it caused me to think of how deep and simple this act of giving can be: listening.

Paul Hawken, entrepreneur and environmentalist wrote: “When we listen to people, our language softens. Listening may be the cardinal act of giving.”

I truly believe it is.

“Why don’t you understand what I say? Because you cannot listen to my word.” Jesus