We have one mouth and two ears. Pause a moment before continuing to read and notice: how much time do you spend being heard and how much time do your spend hearing?

I was recently struck by a quote by David W. Augsburger who says, “Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable. 

I had to find out – who is this David Augsburger? Come to find out, he is a Mennonite minister and has about 20 books to his name.  Two of his titles spoke to me such that I went onto Amazon and bought them: Caring Enough to Confront and Caring Enough to Hear and Be Heard.

I love to listen! I love it when I’m given the opportunity to listen in the space of now, without judgement, expectation, or a condition to be met. To give the gift of listening to another in such a way as they can think, speak and gain insight into themself. To create the space where the other person feels unconditionally loved, supported, and honored.  

What am I listening for? What they are doing, how they feel, what they don’t like, what they want more of, what they love, and especially who they are Being!

Eckhart Tolle teaches us to be in the NOW – it is truly the only time we have.  I love to be in the NOW with people as they speak. I find joy in giving them the freedom to express themselves. 

Eckart suggests, “During the day, make it a practice to ask yourself, “Am I present?” This simple inquiry allows increased alertness to naturally arise and helps you shift your attention into the present moment.” What a great practice!

What would life be like if we practiced caring about our relationships enough to hear without fear or judgement?  What would happen if we made it our practice to turn off our mind chatter so that the recipient of our listening can feel loved? 

Want to explore the gift of being heard? Email me and let’s set up a time to talk.