Attentive Listening in a Busy World

Have you ever observed a young child or beloved animal companion listening?  You might notice that their gaze is directly upon us with a soft, loving presence in their eyes. Their body is usually still and grounded and in close proximity to ours. Their mind and energy feel totally present in that moment. They are teaching us how to be attentive listeners. They are helping us to remember.

Unfortunately, most of us adults are living in such a busy world full of distractions both physically and mentally, that we are too “busy” to be attentive listeners. We are constantly multi-tasking, distracted by our smart phones, running to the next activity, or thinking about our long to do lists. We are simply too busy to slow down…to slow down our days, to slow down our minds, to slow down our breath. We are too busy to simply breathe in each moment and listen deeply.

The children, the animals and the natural world are here to tell us there is another way if we are willing to try and to remember. We can slow down our days. We can slow down our minds. We can slow down our breath. The magnificent redwood trees did not grow tall quickly but slow and steady. And just like these beautiful beings, we too can slow down and relearn how to listen attentively in slow and steady steps.

 

Next time your child or partner asks you a question, instead of half answering them while you are cooking dinner and replying to a text message (I find myself doing this too), pause for a breath, set your phone down for a moment and remember 2 by 2 by 2: two eyes on your child/partner, two feet on the ground and two feet apart. Just like how your young child and the animals do when listening attentively to you, your eyes will be fixed upon them, your body will be grounded and still and you will be in close proximity to your child/partner. Then, try to simply listen deeply with a clear mind to what they are asking you and respond in a loving and curious manner. It might take a little practice to get used to, but over time slow and steady, your listening will become more present and your connection might even grow stronger.

Over the past few years, I have learned so much from the natural world…the animals, the plants, the trees, the mountains, the water, the Earth. They are truly all in communion with one another. It is us modern humans who have forgotten the way to commune with all of life. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We can relearn how to slow down our minds and bodies and become attentive listeners, we too can hear their needs, their wants, their stories and their messages. Whether it is a songbird, a hawk, a snake, a tree, one of your garden plants or your beloved animal companion, we can relearn to listen to them all and become more compassionate, kind and loving beings. It just starts with an open heart, an open mind, some calm breaths and attentive listening ears.

I invite you to try being an attentive listener. I wonder what you might hear next time you step out into nature or during your next conversation with your child or partner. You might be surprised and filled with a little wonder and delight.

 

Warmly,

Therie