listening to understand

President Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are meeting this week, talking about the two country’s relationship, and about Taiwan, Ukraine, technology, and more. It’s easy to think that their conversations will not actually enhance the lives of those in their communities, but it can be seen as positive that they’re in the same room, talking. Let’s bless their union and the hearts of these two individuals who can influence a great many lives.
“Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to understand. We listen to reply. When we listen with curiosity, we listen for what’s behind the words.” - Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, in being with others, I seek to hear, rather than be heard. In our conversation, I listen with the “ear of the heart,” with a mindful and loving heart, unencumbered by internal chatter, personal ambition, or hidden agendas. I am one with my companion. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.

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