She muses

“Anything will give up its secrets if you love it enough. Not only have I found that when I talk to the little flower or the little peanut they will give up their secrets, but I have found when I silently commune with people they give up their secrets also - if you love them enough.” George Washington Carver

Listening to others in this way is one of the simplest… and greatest gifts we can offer another.

In this busy world, we all-too-rarely experience someone truly listening to us. In that space of listening we feel seen, valued, ennobled… loved.

Deep listening costs you nothing to give, but reaps great rewards in your leadership, in your friendships, in your intimate relationships. The absence of listening creates fissures of mistrust in our organizations, our coalitions, our communities, and our world. Our ability to solve the myriad challenges of our times requires that we learn to listen to each other, and to love each other.

Practice>>> In your mind’s eye, greet each person you meet today (in person or on the telephone) as if you were bowing with your hands together in prayer position.

Silently and internally say to them: I honor you and that Divine Presence that dwells within you. (Please alter the exact words to your taste.)

Adapted from the practices of Robert Gass.