The Art Of Listening

A deaf person explains what it truly means to “listen” to someone, and to “hear” the voice of the Lord in our daily lives. Written for and performed as part of Cornerstone Church’s 8th Annual Arts & Improv Night.

“To listen another’s soul into a condition of disclosure and discovery may be almost the greatest service that any human being ever performs for another.” – Douglas Steere

When two people listen to each other deeply, both the listener and the speaker expand their connection and closeness. They are not only present to each other, they are present to something beyond the two of them. Some might call it spiritual or holy. I call it sacred. Mystics call it ‘ecstasy,’ athletes call it ‘being in the zone,’ Jazz musicians may call it ‘being in the groove.’ It’s as though time stands still.

“When two people relate to each other authentically and humanly, God is the electricity that surges between them.” – Martin Buber

Notice what happens when someone stops speaking and you ask, “is that all?” Notice what happens when you let go of your agenda to be fully present with another. Listening is all about opening up to love.

“Being listened to is so close to being loved that most people can’t tell the difference.” – David Augsberer

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