January 27
“Today I will listen to understand, not to answer.”
I thought this lesson was pretty important, especially in this day and age when it seems that everyone is clamoring to make their mark or get noticed, etc. Everyone seems so ready and willing to talk, or talk over someone else – but when was the last time we actually just listened? Melissa Ambrosini says that it’s an “act of presence” when we truly listen to what someone is saying rather than just waiting for a chance to interject. She says that it’s the way to deeper connection with others which can completely change what happens next. (I know that when I feel heard I feel better. I feel loved.) It reminds me of a Richard Moss quote: “The greatest gift you can give another is the purity of your attention.”
In today’s exercise Melissa guides us through a few rounds of controlled breathing, then asks us to simply listen to the ambient noises around us. Here’s the kicker: she asks us to do that without labeling them or creating a story about them. Just listen. Notice which ones are close or far away. Which ones come and go. Then she says to imagine someone we love, how they look, how they sit. Then she says to imagine really listening to them without letting our minds drift, checking our phones, or waiting for a chance to dive in with an opinion or how to fix something. We’re just fully present. In the moment. Then she encourages us to take that into the rest of our day and to create those moments when we fully engage in listening to others.
I sat for a while longer after the lesson finished, just listening to the silence or whatever other sounds came about. I found it very interesting at this point because I noticed the sounds of two different clocks ticking. It was soothing. Then I realized that it was probably because, when I really listened to them, their rhythm together sounded like a heartbeat. It actually helped me relax into my meditation.
What did you notice during your meditation? Were you able to carry the intention into the rest of your day? Did you catch yourself waiting your turn to speak rather than just taking in everything another person was saying? (I did. lol)
I thought this was kinda cool. I hope you did too. Have a great evening!
#31dayintentionsettingchallenge
#listen
#trusttheprocess
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Wholeness Health and YOU! 