Listening to one another deeply may be an essential pathway to becoming more fully human. If I do not hear the cries of the disenfranchised, people desperate for a change in our economy, in our capacity for compassion, am I one of the hard-hearted? If I do not listen to the very, very rich who have closed their hearts to the needs of others, can I learn to respond–rather than react– to their beliefs in a creative, rather than negative, way?

Yesterday’s post summed up what is at stake in the USA as well as throughout the world during this crisis which is pulling us apart from one another. Perhaps our very survival; certainly our humanity is at stake. The websites of the three sponsors who have invited you to listen in this divisive political year provide guidelines. Click or copy the link beside each name to learn more. Kay Lindahl is a good friend whose book The Sacred Art of Listening with its brief chapters could be used as a daily reading. The practice of this sacred–sacred because it opens the possibility of meaningful human connection and of shifts in stuck relationships–art will develop as you choose to focus on it intentionally.

This discipline may not be easy for many of us. We must “Practice, practice, practice.” Practice is about trying something new, then stepping back and saying to yourself, “What did I say or do that was satisfying? What would I change next time?” It is rarely about negative criticism. Although criticism can point to places where change is needed, it usually does not lead to change because we may shut down in the face of the pain generated by criticism. However, when others, especially teens, are critical, if we listen beneath their outer words, we may hear what they are trying to show us more clearly. We can say, “Tell me more.” Become interested. Become curious.

Then there is also listening to the still small voice within ourselves. Using Carl Jung’s term,  I call this voice the deepest Self. From the Self arises the voice that wants us to be more fully alive. For instance, as you read one of Kay’s chapters, underline and write notes in the margin–or keep a notebook handy when you read and track the insights that might pop up simply because you are listening for them. Writing insights down brings them further to consciousness, making them more available to us

Many faith traditions, spiritual practices, poets and dreamers believe that one person’s intentions lived out in the world has the power to change the world–because it joins with all the others who believe in humanity’s desire for compassion as well as humanity’s will to work toward the well being of others.