LISTENING - REALLY, REALLY LISTENING
JULY 11TH, 2008: In Yoga we talk a lot about observing ourselves (sensations, thoughts, experiences). This is one of the Niyamas (philosophical suggestions for how to treat ourselves) known as Svadhyaya. So in talking about Listening as our theme it is just another way of talking about the self-study of Svadhyaya.
The word "study" can be defined as the "unceasing, dedicated observation and investigation of whatever arises, be in pleasant or unpleasant" (from Heartwood of the Bodhi Tree). Each practice is this opportunity to really, really listening to what is percolating and evolving inside us. From this we develop an understanding that we can only really listen to another human being if we first practice and grow skilled listening to our own hearts first.
The take home practice is to choose one person we could related to better and for just one day commit to listening to them. I mean really listening, asking yourself: did I observe their words, their intonation, their body language, did I notice what is not being said?
So feel free let me know how this suggestion worked for you. Would love to hear your stories!
From Rumi, "What is deep listening? Sama is a greeting from the secret ones inside the heart, like a letter."