June 07, 2009   Inspiration , Spirituality

Listening

“Before you speak, listen.” William Arthur Ward Abigail Van Buren gave excellent insight when she said that the less we talk, the more we a...

“Before you speak, listen.”

William Arthur Ward

Abigail Van Buren gave excellent insight when she said that the less we talk, the more we are listened to. It is my experience also that being reserved with opinions allows people to feel comfortable enough to enquire about my point of view. If only I could remember more consistently to speak less and listen more. Winnie the Pooh’s advice for dealing with people who like me sometimes talk too much and listen to little is this: “If the person you are talking to doesn’t appear to be listening be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.” Something about this gentle and light hearted advice reminds me to lighten up about the whole thing – to struggle less and to accept that the spiritual practice of becoming aware of the Presence can be joyful and simple too.