Invitation to Listening

“Part of doing something is listening. We are listening. To the sun. To the stars. To the wind.” Madeleine L’Engle

As we begin another year of theme ministry, we return to our first theme – listening. What does it mean to be people who listen?

As Unitarian Universalists we belong to the earth and celebrate the mystery. We are a spiritual community which emphasizes connection – to our authentic selves, to one another, to the greater community and to the earth. We seek to heal disconnection at all levels, to restore our hearts, to grow the loving ties of community and restore healthy relationships with our planetary home. The journey towards connection begins with listening, deep listening, listening well.

Listening well is a deceptively simple choice. We all think we know how to listen, but listening is hard. The quality of our listening can make a profound difference, whether that is in a business meeting or a difficult conversation with a friend. Like most spiritual practices, listening well requires our attention and ability to be present. To be truly heard is a great gift to give someone. As Quaker author Douglas Steere says: “To “listen” another’s soul into a condition of disclosure and discovery may be almost the greatest service that any human being ever performs for another.”

Blessings,

Fiona