On Listening

 In our fast-paced, “drive-thru”, cost-cutting, downsizing, gameboy world, the Chinese kanji, “Ting”, representing the verb “to listen" is significant in that it explains the difference between simply hearing and truly listening. By integrating representations of not only our ears, but of our eyes, our heart and the selfless act of undivided attention, the Chinese have truly captured the essence of "listening."

It is so important in any dialogue to listen to one another with our whole bodies, to come from a non-egocentric, "non-self" perspective. By doing this, we show respect and value for the other and leave ourselves open to understanding a larger truth. We must believe, as Thich Nhat Hanh says, that we “can receive truth from outside…that we can come away transformed by what is good, beautiful and meaningful in another.”

A Quote:

“Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.” - Madam Curie