I think that listening is like music for me; I don't have a particular taste or a particular band that I go crazy about; it's all about my mood and what vibe I am in. Somedays I am just focusing on the music and the words are a blur to me(1st type). Some days its all about the meaning behind the words (2nd type). Somedays everything feels relatable (3rd type); and in very few occasions, somedays music just opens up my soul, leaving a huge impact on my life.
That is how I feel with conversations.; the energy; the relationship; personal mental state - all of these contribute towards the kind of listening i will be experiencing.
I attended a 4 day silence retreat once. In between the mountains, i would wake up with the sunrise every single day; witness the sunset, not have any external noise. Just me and my thoughts. It took me some time to settle in with this feeling, but once it did and once the chatter inside my head was quiet; I was able to open up the space for generative listening of our meditation teachers and experience the strong power of the words, and the meaning they carry.
I am yet to practice the art of consciously choosing my level of listening. Till now i think its been my preconceived notions and biases towards people that decides how I walk into a conversations. Hoping to change it slowly.
On Feb 13, 2024 Diksha pilania wrote :