What’s alive for you in this moment? In this session our basic foundation will be that of empathic or deep listening. Authors of the program, Ongo: Everyday Nonviolence, Catherine Cadden and Jesse Chu, write, ‘Empathy turns the listening up in our heart and quiets the mind by engaging our sense of curiosity about ourselves and others. We consider empathy to have five components in this order: curiosity, mindful presence, intention to connect, focus on universal needs and confirmation.’
Deep listening, holding space and offering your presence.
In our sessions there is an invitation for everyone to speak – there won’t be an official timekeeper so it’s important you feel into this so that everyone’s voice, including your own, can be heard. If you feel you’d like a timekeeper when you are speaking, ask if one of the members of the group would be happy to do that for you.
The basics for deep listening are simple: listen with curiosity, mindful presence and intention to connect with the person speaking. Refrain from asking questions, analysing or fixing, advising, commiserating, changing the topic etc. I will introduce this in the group at the start and, if you have any questions, please give voice to them.
Fourth Thursday of the month at 6.30pm – 8pm AEDT. There is no need to make a regular commitment just come when you can. See here for your timezone.
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