The Spirit of Compassion

Listening is a practice of compassion.  When I calm my mind, release my need for attention, and center my focus on another, I am choosing the gift of compassion.  Listening is the companion of silence, and we listen most closely when we begin by silencing the mind.  As another begins to speak, our focused silence acts as a beacon.  As the act of listening begins, the speaker begins to relax within the unique sound of her voice, and her voice may become akin to the soothing murmur of nurturing.  As the speaker begins to listen to her own sound, she may experience a feeling of awkward joy; and it is the listener's continuing focus that encourages joy over discomfort. 12/15/08