On Sunday, I shared with the congregation about a workshop I helped with in Honolulu back in May with Rev. Caroline Miura. It was called “Contemplative Listening” and the point was to teach the participants how to carefully listen–without judgment, attachment, giving advice or suggestions. In each session of the workshop a volunteer shared something that was important to him or her, typically something that was weighing heavy on the heart. The rest of the participants were asked to listen and then, when the volunteer speaker was done, to ask questions or make comments in order to make sure that the speaker’s message was heard correctly.
In every session, several timeouts were called because participants kept making judgments, giving advice and suggestions, etc. They found it hard to just listen and make sure they heard correctly. However, by the end of each session, something transformational happened. Listeners said things like: “I never realized how difficult it was to just sit and listen.” Speakers said: “I had no idea how good it felt just to be heard.”
In Jesus’ Parable of the Sower, I counted 19 times in 23 verses the words “listen,” “hear,” and “understand.” It became very clear to me as I was preparing for Sunday’s message that listening was a very important thing to Jesus. Although we can never make others become better listeners, we can do that for ourselves. I encourage you to take some time this week to slow down and listen to God…to others…and to yourself. Just pay attention without judgment, attachment, giving advice or suggestions. Just listen carefully…and see what happens!
Have a great week! I hope to see you on Sunday!
Kahu Alan Akana
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