The Listeners

Most people do not listen

with the intent to understand;

they listen with the intent to reply.

Stephen R. Covey

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Before all parts of ourselves are integrated, we have unknown aspects of our personality that will surface, expressing thoughts that surprise not only the listener, but ourselves as well.  During a conversation, we may hear ourselves say something and then instantly think, "I didn't know I felt that way!" 

When we are not fully integrated, we remain ego driven.  We do not feel the strong connection with the world and others, and therefore focus on the needs of our own.  In conversation, we may not be seriously listening as we are planning what we will next reply.

Listening is really an opportunity to learn or understand information on a deeper level or to become informed about something entirely new.  It can be an intimate pause to deepen a relationship or receive a concept that can change the direction of our lives.

Too often we hear ourselves supplying answers that run contrary to how we truly feel.  We may find ourselves being disingenuous or realize we have not heard the disclosure at all.  We may be thinking of our response or closing our minds to new information, and we have gained nothing from the exchange.  Listening can escalate into a heated discussion or a competition.

When we are integrated with our body, mind and spirit, we feel connected to all peoples and all things.  We are one and all deserve respect.  We honor the authenticity of each human being and understand  Spirit speaks through all of us, so we must listen openly.  We may agree to disagree, but we have an obligation to listen. 

More times than not, fellow human beings need to voice their opinion whether we the listener accept it or not.  We have a deep need to express ourselves.  As listeners, we do not have to have remedies or answers.  It is more important to have an open heart and focused eye contact.

When we are comfortable with our own beliefs, we are less challenged in hearing the beliefs of others.  We are all entitled to speak our truths in a space of integrity.  It is truly a gift to others when we develop the art of listening!

Utilizing Discernment ...

Wisdom is your perspective on life,

your sense of balance,

your understanding

of how various parts and principles

apply and relate to the other.

Stephen R. Covey

In any pursuit of truth, the heart as well as the mind is open.  In hopes of mind expansion, the seeker explores information that is new and challenging.  While personal boundaries of the belief system may be yielding, the explorer heeds what information resonates and which information does not seem to apply.

While exploring Esoteric Philosophies years ago, I always sensed an element of fear fluttering about me.  I didn't want to be misled or delve into Ancient Scripts that would consume me. 

Only if we grant power to something

can it have power over us.

Jean Gebser

I readily learned to set fear aside and trust my intuition.  Exploring what resonated within me led to discoveries that enhanced and expanded my spiritual awareness.  Many concepts required me to sit and ponder or hold the thoughts carefully in my mind before I could decide whether or not to embrace or reject them. 

It was interesting that information being termed "New Age" was really rooted in belief systems dating back to the 16th and 18th Centuries B.C. 

I followed a path leading through Ancient Greek, Esoteric Philosophies, Paganism, Archetypes, Monotheism, Essene Traditions, Indigenous Shamanism, and Native American Spirit Worlds.  Later, I explored information about yogis from India, Tibetan Buddhism, and other Asian or Eastern practices. 

This morning, I came across the suggestion to sit with an imaginary box next to me while exploring spiritual traditions.   When coming across information that does not blend with a personal belief system, the information can be discarded into the box.  Just because I read something doesn't require it to be permanently recorded nor does it mean that all exploration needs to be diverted.  

It has always been important for me to seek and explore many cultures as I want to make an educated decision before I discard one thing or another.  I want to embrace diversity in order to stretch and grow.  The key is utilizing discernment.

In this place in time, my spiritual journey leads inward carrying the knowledge that has been gathered from my readings, writings, and experiences.  I always select what resonates within me, but this does not necessarily mean that what I share should be embraced by others without discernment.

We are all spiritual individuals learning in our own way and in our own time.  It is through our life challenges and lessons that we find our way, build our strength, and expand our awareness ... all by utilizing discernment!