Listening as spiritual hospitality

Posted on June 13, 2012 by elizabeth

To listen is very hard, because it asks of us so much interior stability that we no longer need to prove ourselves by speeches, arguments, statements or declarations. True listeners no longer have an inner need to make their presence known. They are free to receive, to welcome, to accept.

Listening is much more than allowing another to talk while waiting for a chance to respond.

Listening is paying full attention to others and welcoming them into our very beings.

The beauty of listening is that those who are listened to start feeling accepted, start taking their words more seriously and discovering their true selves.

Listening is a form of spiritual hospitality by which you invite strangers to become friends, to get to know their inner selves more fully, and even to dare to be silent with you.

–Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey, reading for March 11.

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  • Patricia

    Silence can be challenging, can’t it?  But, yes, to enjoy someone’s presence in the silence can be such a beautiful gift.

  • http://twitter.com/graceappears Elizabeth Marshall

    Beautiful. Simply, beautiful. Grateful you shared.

  • Rosita

    I learned to truly listen when learning a different language and living in that culture.  It took all of my energy to just listen and I couldn’t try to form an answer or anything else but give my full attention to the speaker.  I have to admit I don’t practice it as much as I need to, but I still try to from time to time.

  • Anonymous

    Oooh… Listening as spiritual hospitality. Just the title of this blog gives me something to sink into today.

  • http://heretichusband.blogspot.com/ Heretic Husband

    I wish someone would start a church based on the verse in James that says “Be slow to speak, and quick to listen.”  

    • http://kathyharter.blogspot.com/ Kathy Harter

      would you go to this church?

      • http://heretichusband.blogspot.com/ Heretic Husband

        Meh, I’d give it a shot.

  • Denice Solorio

    To listen more and speak less is truly a gift, I tend to be a self professed story topper, I don’t mean to be I just can’t help it. I do hate that about myself and by admitting it, I will strive to improve.  Thank you for bringing the issue of listening to light.

  • Anonymous

    This has been a hard fought battle for me, I am still learning to be a good listener so I can love others who are aching to connect. It has been a battle with selfishness and pride on my part, as I put aside myself in exchange for loving people where they are.

  • Grandmother

    Beautiful.