ears wide open
“The quieter you become, the more you can hear.”
— Ram Dass
Deep listening isn't exactly the world's superpower right now, but by practicing individually, we can access its impressive benefits. The biggest impact comes from hearing the gentle voice that invites us back to where we belong. We are called to remember (the stuff babies still know: joy, wonder, Love!), which can really only happen when we absent those tyrannical, noisy voices/thoughts/criticisms squatting in our being.
There are neurological benefits of deep listening, too:
Prefrontal cortex: attention and regulation for improved focus & self-control
Parasympathetic system: relaxation and safety which reduces stress and anxiety
Mirror neurons: empathy and social connection for deepening relationships
Temporal lobes: language and emotional awareness, enhancing communication
There are many ways to practice. Here are some easy ones:
Pause before you respond. Take a breath.
Notice where you are in your body, and as you listen, say, “I am here. I am listening.”
Listen to silence and sound (fridge humming, birds singing, truck backing up, etc.)
Practice a short LovingKindness before conversations: “May I listen with compassion. May they feel heard.”