The Gift of Listening

We believe that we listen, but it's not true.

 Listening, if we did it deeply and fully, would transform our lives.

Listening is an experience of communion when we choose to be present,

when we "hear" with our heart and not just with our ears.

Listening is not a casual or insignificant act,

but an act of great purpose and beauty,

an act that will inspire and uplift.

It is a way that we can offer each other love and respect.

We listen not to agree or disagree,

but simply to hear each other's experience.

And we speak not to obtain attention or approval,

but to communicate what is in our hearts and minds.

Our greatest joy is not to find agreement with others,

but to experience hearing and being heard

deeply and without judgment.

This outcome can be achieved in every encounter.

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