Listening

“Listening” is an essay from The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life by Suleika Jaouad. Suleika’s book collects essays on creativity and then generates writing prompts.

In her piece, Esther Perel says, {listening attentively} “is a delicate balance of receiving and reciprocating – taking in information and giving attention and care.” She suggests that the “way we listen shapes the way the other person will speak.” She continues: “actively showing that we are listening to the other person validates their experience and their vulnerability.”

Esther asks us to consider the old saying, "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" The question has been intended as a philosophical question that she suggests involves "object permanence and the human impulse to center our own experiences. If I don't perceive it, does it cease to exist?" Esther ponders the ridiculousness of this, and goes on to further wonder why it {the question/saying} has persisted for so long. She thinks that it's more about the question itself, not the answer, and the "poignant commentary about relationships and reciprocity required to be in one". Which is reflected in the three questions about listening I pose to you below, and the scripture I found to complement!

Do we listen as God speaks to us?

Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” – Proverbs 19:20

“And that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life…” – Deuteronomy 30:20

“If my people would only listen to me, if Israel would only follow my ways…” – Psalm 81:13

“He replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.'” – Luke 11:28

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” – Isaiah 30:21

Is God listening to us?

"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us". 1 John 5:14

"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you." Jeremiah 29:12

"I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy". Psalm 116:1

Do we listen to others, offering a supportive ear?

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19

“To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” Proverbs 18:13

“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” Proverbs 12:15

“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” Proverbs 19:20

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be an active listener to you, to others, and help me to trust that you hear my plea and my thankful appreciation in prayer. Amen.

Donna Gustafson