By Lakshmi
For several months I’ve been focusing on “listening”. My hearing aids have helped but they don’t do the job every time. I have to listen intently to try to ascertain what has been said. This has helped me to avoid speaking and/or responding too quickly. Now I see this as a good practice. I am being forced to listen to others carefully. But what about listening to myself? Can I hear with my inner ear?
Recently, I have been experiencing some temporary physical challenges, so I have been practicing listening to my body. It is no longer easy to do just what I want to do. Now I am asking and testing my body: Does this hurt? Can I do this or that? What is helpful? What to do when I can’t walk easily or have difficulty using my right arm. I see how much I rely on certain parts of my body to always be available to my “beck and call” mechanically. As I listen to my body’s messages, I notice I have a new respect for my body and am encouraged to be still.
How can I practice listening with my inner ear without these difficulties?
“There are many opportunities where we can get the message without needing harsh treatment, if we will only listen. The refinement of our sense perceptions is extremely important. We are all very sensitive – very touchy– about things that go against our wishes and beliefs, or our will, or our expectations and illusions. Then we are upset, we are in pain, and we cry. Surrender is the only answer to that. And surrender starts with listening to what is said – in the family, in the classroom, at work.”
Swami Radha, Time To be Holy
We will be exploring this in a new 4-class series starting January 10, 2023 as we focus on listening.