Physician and writer Rachel Naomi Remen writes that, “Our listening creates sanctuary for the homeless parts of another person.” What if we approached those with whom we disagree in this spirit—that they have a homeless place within that needs care and attention? What if we thought of our struggles to listen in these terms, too? … Continue reading Listening to Others
Theologian Paul Tillich wrote, “The first duty of love is to listen.” While we all want to be loving, a variety of things might get in our way of listening—how a person talks and what they say, thoughts about the world filling our own minds with distraction, our own worries and wounds. If we learn … Continue reading What Gets in the Way of Listening?
Rev. Rita is taking this Sunday off to participate (virtually) in the ordination of a seminary mate back East. Our congregation will join Minnesota Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (Bloomington, MN). Make a place to sit down. Sit down. Be quiet…Accept what comes from silence. Make the best you can of it”, writes poet Wendell Berry. … Continue reading Listening to the Silence
Quaker educator and activist Parker Palmer writes: “Before I can tell my life what I want to do with it, I must listen to my life telling me who I am.” How might a person find ways to hear themselves, hear their lives telling them who they are, really listening for the answers and the … Continue reading Listening for Yourself
Listening for Yourself Quaker educator and activist Parker Palmer writes: “Before I can tell my life what I want to do with it, I must listen to my life telling me who I am.” How might a person find ways to hear themselves, hear their lives telling them who they are, really listening for the … Continue reading Listening for Yourself
