We postpone the preparation of our responses, our disagreements and disputes for later, when it is our turn to speak. In the meantime, we just listen. When you can be so quiet inside that you can rest in consciousness while the other person speaks, there may come a moment when the consciousness opens to include both of you. In that moment you participate directly in a deeper communication, beyond words and speaking. Then the words float on the surface, yet you honor them nonetheless.
Much practice is needed to approach that kind of listening.
The practice of listening helps to dissolve our identification with our views and opinions, with ourselves. It makes us more fluid and more able to listen for the voice of the spirit. Copyright 2001 Joseph Naft. All rights reserved.