PKay Reflections

Chinese Character for Listening     The left side of the symbol represents and ear. The right side represents the individual. One explanation of this symbol said that in order to listen, we must use our eyes, our ears and our open heart, together with our undivided attention. Another explanation said that to listen, we must use both ears, watch and maintain eye contact, give undivided attention and finally be empathetic. This is the idea of engaging in active listening. By using empathetic listening techniques, you will be able to hear a lot more than what a person is saying.  Allow others to run the conversation. After all, you are there to listen with the ear of your heart . Ask questions to clarify is a crucial part of effective communication. Reflect on what was said for deeper understanding.

"Teach Me To Listen" by John Veltri SJ Teach me to listen, O God, to those nearest me, my family, my friends, my co-workers. Help me to be aware that no matter what words I hear, the message is, “Accept the person I am. Listen to me.” Teach me to listen, my caring God, to those far from me – the whisper of the hopeless, the plea of the forgotten, the cry of the anguished. Teach me to listen, O God my Mother, to myself. Help me to be less afraid to trust the voice inside – in the deepest part of me. Teach me to listen, Holy Spirit, for your voice – in busyness and in boredom, in certainty and doubt, in noise and in silence. Teach me, Lord, to listen. Amen.

Much of our life’s quest is seeking to satisfy our need to belong.  We join clubs, attend social events, join church groups, and seek friendships that give us a sense of belonging.  Yet we do not fully discover who we are until we find to Whom we really belong.   Jesus talked about this with his disciples (John 17:1-11). “I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world.  They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.” "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." - St Augustine of Hippo