There is a wonderful little book by this title, “Right Listening”, written by Mark Brady.  It’s been on my shelf for some time now, like so may other “little books”.   Pulled it down and read it this morning . Something in it was calling me, so I listened, and took action.

There is a lot of good stuff in that book.  But what is staying with me this morning is not the content of the book, but the fact that I actually listened to my myself, and followed through with that momentary thought I had, the one that said, “I’d like to read that book now.” 

Many of us know the steps to cultivating and practicing good listening skills with others.  We’ve learned to create space for non-distraction so that we give our full attention to another, to talking less ourselves, to cultivate a “beginner’s ear” and not assume we know what the speaker will be saying.  We know to audit our own reactions so that we can stay present with another, not going off on our own inner journey, leaving behind the other person.  And, we’ve perhaps even learned to be comfortable with silence.

I read the reminders of those skills today.  But the biggest reminder was how important it is that I practice these skills with myself.  Truth is, sometimes I think I know me and what I’m feeling and thinking, and so I don’t really listen to myself.  I’ve been living with me for over 50 years, after all, and have heard just about all of my stories, fears, and beliefs.  So, sometimes, I don’t create space to really listen to myself. 

Perhaps today is a good day to practice “Right Listening” with ourselves.   Maybe today is a good day to honor those inner requests that we make of ourselvces.   You never know what we might learn from ourselves, or where listening might take us.

You are Precious.  You are Awesome.  You are worth it!

Rev. Kristin