Courageous Listening … | Disciple Playbook

Ready to consider being courageous? If so, “buckle your safety belt” and take a read of the CAC post HERE about Courageous Listening. The author includes some good tips including

When listening gets hard, I focus on taking the next breath. I pay attention to sensations in my body: heat, clenching, and constriction. I feel the ground beneath my feet. Am I safe? If so, I stay and slow my breath again, quiet my mind, and release the pressure that pushes me to defend my position. I try to wonder about this person’s story and the possible wound in them. I think of an earnest question and try to stay curious long enough to be changed by what I hear. ~ Valarie Kaur (HERE)

WOW! The idea of doing this deep listening sounds hard, especially with those whom we disagree.

The cool thing? Not only does this deep listening work well with those whom we disagree, it works with other populations too. Shannon, a friend and expert in the dementia world who pointed us to this Courageous Listening article (thanks Shannon!), says

“Courageous listening fits right in with the “embracing and” concept! They seem to align on the spectrum of surrendering and being open.”

So, when listening gets hard – whether with someone experiencing dementia, someone we disagree with, someone a little too chatty or ??? – perhaps we can surrender and be open while in “Yes And” and/or Courageous Listening mode!

Enjoy the day, fueled by the Spirit!