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Going By Faith

Christian Encouragement for Everday Life

How to Listen Well

May 21, 2010 By Jen 7 Comments

listen to faithHearing, listening and waiting patiently for a chance to speak are three different activities. We know that. But perhaps “listening well” could be a fourth. Not only could it help us peacefully recenter, but it could also enrich our relationships and support our spiritual growth.

Sometimes I say I’m listening when I’m waiting. Sometimes there’s more coming out than what’s going in. Sometimes I think I can figure it all out … with just a little more thought. The feelers are out, and they’re all over the place.

Listening well — it’s not like rest or “active listening” or silence while thinking. It seems to have less to do with the ears and mind and more to do with an overall experience of stillness. We “take in” what’s around us, seen and unseen. We get “in tune” with a bigger picture. We remain mindful and nonjudgmental of each passing moment, accepting it as it is.

How does listening well enrich our relationships? People can feel our authentic presence. How does listening well support our spiritual growth? It helps us hear that still small voice that guides us on our journey.

As the old Tibetan proverb says: Goodness speaks in a whisper, evil shouts.

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Comments

  1. carmenvaldezshoaf says

    May 21, 2010 at 12:16 pm

    i love this.i have to drive into carson today and now i have something to really think about.thank you

    Reply
  2. Hua says

    May 21, 2010 at 2:59 pm

    Good point. It also reminds me of James 1:19: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

    Reply
  3. Jennifer Johns says

    May 23, 2010 at 11:43 am

    Hi Carmen! Driving is always a good time to practice silence. I hope you had a reflective journey. We’re keeping you and family in our prayers right now.

    Good verse Hua … it’s so simple and yet so difficult to put into practice at times. And yet the more we practice silence the better we get at “quick to listen.”

    Last night we went to a service at a friend’s church and the message was “hitting the pause button.” The pastor talked about stopping to really savor or “drink in” the precious moments. Afterward we all sat and talked for hours… and it was nice to listen. It felt like I know our friend even better now — and a on a more personal level.

    Reply
  4. Darcy says

    November 6, 2012 at 5:24 am

    Thank Jennifer having great writing skills. This is an area I will continue to struggle in. I am a talker and must try, through the Holy Spirit strength,to just listen. I stumbled on this great website, by typing in “Growing with God.” Love it and signed up for your emails.
    You have a gift Jennifer…amen to us who receive it.

    Prayers to you.
    Darcy

    Reply
  5. Kweku says

    March 21, 2014 at 9:07 am

    Hi Jenny,

    I’m very much blessed to use this website today. Feels good within the soul and spirit of one to realize how God uses His people to send messages across the globe. Powerful inspiring and motivational message. I have also saved some memory versus that’s so good. God gives you wisdom, knowledge and understanding in His word so you share for others to benefit.

    Bless your soul
    Kweku

    Reply

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