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Deeply listening to someone is both an honor and a privilege. It is deep connection with another being that comes from my heart and opens to another, just as they are. It takes awareness, focus and patience. Listening deeply opens me to curiosity about another and a willingness to understand without judgement. It connects me to another and reminds me of Thich Nhat Hanh's "interbeing' teachings. I have felt deeply listened to several times in my life when someone was quiet, gave their full attention to me with their eyes and body language, did not interrupt me while I was speaking, was facially expressive, was not distracted and offered suggestions if they were asked for. I felt like I was the center of the universe for a period of time, safety, and trust. What helps me to deeply listen is making an intention that I want to be present for another. Taking my time, breathing mindfully and creating a container of sufficient space and time allows me to really be there with another.

Deep Listening is presence with oneself and with another. An intimacy of space and time emerges and you feel so close and connected to another. You feel like you know and understand who this being is and what may emanate from their lips, breath, body, emotions. It is a form of love that holds all of life closely and without judgement. It makes me feel very alive and awake in its process and unfolding.