Listening Circle

Following up on my previous post, I have decided to offer what I call a “listening circle.”

For many years I taught at a Zen Center where I led meditation groups. These were not discussion groups in the usual sense. Instead, they were a simple form of shared inquiry. I would introduce a theme or question for our time together. Then people would share if they wished—one at a time—about whatever arose for them in relation to that theme. My role was simply to listen carefully and respond as clearly and compassionately as I could.

The conversation followed a very simple rhythm. Participants did not offer advice or respond to another person’s story and this created a surprisingly spacious atmosphere of attentive listening. When we don’t have to prepare a reply or think about what we might add, listening becomes a different kind of experience. We gain a deeper understanding of another person, and often someone else’s sharing illuminates something in our own lives as well.

Several people have wondered whether something like this might be possible again, so I have scheduled a time on Saturday, March 28, from 9:00 – 10:00 AM (Pacific Daylight Time) to have a “Listening Circle” following that format. We will be looking at the theme: Navigating Life Transitions; living with uncertainty.

If this resonates with you and you would like to participate, please let me know by using the email link below. I will then email you a Zoom link for the session. Let’s see what emerges as we continue to share our journeys together.

I wish us all peace and stillness.

Bill

(The best way to reach me is at william@williammartin.org)