"Listen" | Reflection by Heather Cochran

“You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak.” —James 1:19 

When I was in psychology graduate school a mentor advised me, “The most important thing you can learn to do is to listen to what you do not hear.” Today, years into my career, listening is one of the most essential skills I employ as I sit with people and help them to make sense of their own thoughts, fears, joys, impulses, and reactions. It is through listening to what they share, how they express themselves, and what they hold back that it is possible to help people see themselves and the world differently --- in a way that affords them a greater sense of peace and balance. 

As a spiritual practice, listening is no less valuable. Listening is a powerful form of prayer. The Episcopal Church offers a Prayer Primer that suggests a practice of two to three minutes of intentional silence after asking God to speak. The act of listening turns our attention outward and expands our sense of connection to God. 

Even listening to nature – the sounds of the Lord’s creation – can be an excellent practice that helps to focus our attention and expand our perspective. Listening to the sounds of birds, wind, raindrops, or a waterfall extends our attention beyond ourselves. Through listening we can cultivate a sense of empathy for the rest of creation.