This is a profound post if you look at it on its face AND on what's going on in our country right now. This is, of course, only my personal opinion, but I believe Republicans refusing to co-operate with Democrats do so at the peril of us all because it is pretty clear that species who co-operate thrive. History shows that working together while having different ideas is the only way our two-party system works well and for the benefit of all.
In general the world would be a better place if we all did a lot more listening. Marcus Aurelius even talks about this. He wrote: “In conversation, one should attend closely to what is being said, and with regard to every impulse attend to what arises from it; in the latter case, to see from the first what end it has in view, and in the former, to keep careful watch on what people are meaning to say.” (Meditations, 7.4)
He makes three points here:
1. When someone is speaking, we should fully listen. Not simply wait for our turn to speak.
2. When listening, we must attend to the impulses that arise within us. Where are these thoughts coming from and are they something that should be said?
3. It is important to show grace. Instead of simply hearing and reacting to words, we should strive to understand the deeper meaning or intention behind what someone is saying.
Can you imagine what it would be like if we all aimed for that level of seeing each other? That would be some transformative magic.
In addition to seeking understanding of the meaning behind the person's words, it's also important to understand what they seek: do they want advice, agreement, or just to be heard?
Good point! It's like when my teen is talking about something that happened in his day. We try to remember to ask: do you want advice or someone to listen?
Regardless of the situation, holding the space to just listen can be challenging - but what an opportunity to practice presence no?
Very nicely written. Thank you!
Thank you Rocky!
Beautifully written, Christina! ❤️
Thank you!
This is a profound post if you look at it on its face AND on what's going on in our country right now. This is, of course, only my personal opinion, but I believe Republicans refusing to co-operate with Democrats do so at the peril of us all because it is pretty clear that species who co-operate thrive. History shows that working together while having different ideas is the only way our two-party system works well and for the benefit of all.
In general the world would be a better place if we all did a lot more listening. Marcus Aurelius even talks about this. He wrote: “In conversation, one should attend closely to what is being said, and with regard to every impulse attend to what arises from it; in the latter case, to see from the first what end it has in view, and in the former, to keep careful watch on what people are meaning to say.” (Meditations, 7.4)
He makes three points here:
1. When someone is speaking, we should fully listen. Not simply wait for our turn to speak.
2. When listening, we must attend to the impulses that arise within us. Where are these thoughts coming from and are they something that should be said?
3. It is important to show grace. Instead of simply hearing and reacting to words, we should strive to understand the deeper meaning or intention behind what someone is saying.
Can you imagine what it would be like if we all aimed for that level of seeing each other? That would be some transformative magic.
In addition to seeking understanding of the meaning behind the person's words, it's also important to understand what they seek: do they want advice, agreement, or just to be heard?
Good point! It's like when my teen is talking about something that happened in his day. We try to remember to ask: do you want advice or someone to listen?
Regardless of the situation, holding the space to just listen can be challenging - but what an opportunity to practice presence no?
Yes, indeed. Magical.
Your writing is great
Thank you Paolo. It makes me happy to hear you enjoyed this post. :)