One of the most irritating things about being in control of our own lives is that we inevitably tend to do everything else except those things which are most important in our lives. Unless it\u2019s just me. But somehow I doubt that.
\nSo a prime example of this is how we communicate with each other. Unfortunately I believe that the \u201ccommune\u201d part of the word has been lost somewhat and that the entire word could be replaced or updated to read selficate. Sounds selfish and a tad gross. It is. For instead of engaging in a real conversation we are so distracted with our \u201cself-ies\u201d that we are not really listening to the other person.
\nWhen we are able to put the television off and the cell phone on silent and our own critical thoughts aside, we may begin to feel something close to joy and tranquillity in the communication process. It happens. We are saying silently to the one who wishes to share with us, \u201cI am here, I am listening, I am feeling you, I am you.\u201d
\nThen the communication is real. It has dignity. Like early African cultures\u2026.rushing things was not considered as dignified, but doing things slowly, gracefully, deliberately, that was regal and right.
\nWe have all become such professionals at using our phones, laptops or watching tv while we chat with our children, our friends or our colleagues or partners. But what are we focusing on more in that moment? This is not listening, this is not caring for the other.
\nToo often one hears the words, \u201cwhat did you say\u201d or \u201cI just told you a minute ago\u201d or \u201care you even listening to me?\u201d Seldom are people even looking at each other while talking.
\nTo give up your own thoughts and judgements while someone else is talking is a huge challenge. And when we speak do we actually complete our sentences with contemplated thoughts or are we babbling in staccato, rushing from half phrase to confused interjections? \u201cNo but I think it should be so\u2026\u2026.you what\u2026.yes I know\u2026..she does that thing with\u2026.like a..oh my word it\u2019s true\u2026I don\u2019t understand\u2026you what?\u201d
\nBy listening with ear, heart and spirit to the other, we begin to hear the divine source which dwells within every human being. Try it.
\nFinally, if we don\u2019t know how to communicate with ourselves, to follow our own heart\u2019s voice, we won\u2019t complete ourselves and be able then to listen to others. It always begins with us.
\nMatthew Stodel
\nClass 6 Teacher<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
One of the most irritating things about being in control of our own lives is that we inevitably tend to do everything else except those things which are most important in our lives. Unless it\u2019s just me. But somehow I doubt that. So a prime example of this is how we communicate with each other. …<\/p>\n