Today I taught the listening chapter in our oral communication text, a new addition to this version of the book. It talks about listening as stance. After a listening/story-telling activity where they shared a time they had felt listened to, then not listened to, in pairs, I had them get up and experiment with what these stances actually might look like, what shape they take. As I wander back to my office, their silhouettes are etched in the trees. I wonder when I feel most listened to? I am fortunate to feel this way often. Secrets spring to mind whispering more about the keepers than me. I trace their outlines curious about their shape. Rena Petrello stretches like long lined pages in my favorite journal, familiar, full of history, prayers, and mistakes. Nico Wood echoes like a bathroom stall, safe, and away from the noisy bar, unsurprised by anything I could tell her. Hannah Long cushions like the couch in my living room, comfortable and quiet, an afternoon nap after too many long days. Stacy Holman Jones drifts like a quiet lake, smooth, an invitation to reflect and daydream all that is possible. Each, a sounding board, teaching me something about the art of listening, deep, hard, soft, smooth. Gifts of gratitude and compassion. Thankful listening. Thankful teaching. Thankful learning. Thankful secrets. Thankful keepers. Also thankful to Christopher James McRae for the lovely chapter, it resonates :)
Posted on: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 22:24:01 +0000