“Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward. When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand.” – Karl Augustus Menninger
I’m especially moved by the thought that “when we are listened to, it CREATES us.”
People who really listen question what we’re saying. They encourage us to go deeper or wider, to shift our perspective. They help us to see our limitations and to open into greater inspiration.
Being listened to doesn’t mean we will be agreed with. It takes courage and humility to allow others to really hear us and respond with their own inspiration. There are ways we can signal that we’re willing to be heard and open to creative exploration.
- We can remain physically open, not curled over the core of the body
- We can resist covering our mouth, neck, chest or belly in a protective manner with our hands
- We can maintain comfortable eye contact that allows us to look away in order to see what we’re talking about as well as to connect visually with those listening and engaging with us
- We can breathe fully, without rushing, gasping or holding
- We can speak with the whole voice, with the brilliance and depth that signals we’re fully present and available to create