Creating Spiritual Community At WorkSample

Listen Well

Listening is not an easy thing to do. Listening well, for most of us, does not come naturally. Listening is a skill to be learned, honed, and practiced. 

The first step to being an excellent listener is to stop talking. Ouch. The second step is to stop thinking about what you are going to say while the other person is talking. The third step is to put down your phone, lean in, and look into the eyes of the talker. Learning to listen is like any discipline; you must make a deliberate choice and stay committed.

In the workplace, it can be hard to get a word in edge-wise, so imagine how welcome a listener - a truly good listener - can be. When you set your mind to be the best listener in your workplace, you will be surprised by what you hear and how many come to you. They will come to share life with you and to invite you into their world because they know you care enough to listen. Listening is a great way to begin building a spiritual community. Your reputation as a good listener will open doors to conversations you never imagined would be possible. 

Today, lean in, look others in the eyes, and really listen. Listen well, and you will begin to see a spiritual community. 

Prayer:

Father, today I ask you to give me a sense of stillness. Help me practice being quiet. Bring moments at work where I can put listening into practice. Slow my mind and my words so that I can focus on the one speaking. Help me listen well.