Defensive Listening

Listening is an art that I can truly master only when I am able to be absolutely silent within.

Often whilst listening I hear my inner voice activating a running commentary which continues to criticise, judge, analyse that which is being spoken. Irrespective of who or what I am ‘listening’ to there is a constant critic in action within.

Why do I do this? What is behind this auto pilot critic?

Looking closer at my internal processing I realise that when I am listening I am often holding an attitude of ‘defence’. Internally that little voice is defending my idea, my work, my position etc. My listening, and thus what I hear, is influenced by an attitude that has already taken a position of ‘defence’.

If I truly want to listen and understand the truth behind what is being spoken then I need to learn to listen with an attitude which is free from fear. There is actually no right and wrong or good and bad – it is a matter of perspective and just because someone else has a different perspective it does not make mine wrong.

When I spend time in silence I begin to free myself of deep rooted fears and expectations. This then allows me to truly listen without the need to judge or justify anything.

 

Om Shanti