I Always Have An Ear To Listen
A daily reflection from my upcoming book
Joy: There’s No Reason Not To
Lessons from Under My Mother’s Roof
by Todd Keough
My Mom taught me that sometimes all we need is an ear to listen to us and to hear
what we have to say. She knew that it was not always about giving advice but about
truly listening with every part of her being. You could feel her listening to the way
her eyes engaged with you and the way she softly reached out to hold you. She could
hold you in her presence just with a short soft glance and even some small words of
encouragement. I hear you honey. I love you.
World:
Where is it that people are not being listened to? Where is it that their voices
have been silenced? Where is it that people have turned a blind eye to their pain and
hurt? How can you be the most that listens not in a way where you give advice
about how to fix it but just listen to what they have been through and give comfort t
and care? Who do you know that needs to be heard from a deep heart of listening?
Reflect, write, and take action.
Self:
Where is it in my life that I am not listening to my deep center of who I am? How do I
need to listen to my heart and to truly hear what resonates from the depths of my
own self? Where is that little voice inside of me not being heard? Can I just sit and
listen to what I truly desire without criticizing or trying to get rid of it? What is inside
me that is yearning to talk to me about the past, the present, the future? Can I love
myself there and give myself the freedom to be loved there?
Prayer:
You who are all and care so deeply about me and my soul and everything I
do. Help me to listen today with an opening and compassionate heart. Help me to be
there for other who have been voiceless and to hear their voice. All that is and ever
was enter me fully so I can hear my own voice and listen without pretense or
judgment but just hear the longing of my heart. May the ears of my body and heart
be open so that I may listen.
Affirmation:
Today I will allow myself to connect with people who desire to and
need to be heard in any form or in any way that comes to me. I will make an effort to
reach out to someone who has no had a voice for whatever reason in this society and just
listen. I will also create a space within myself to listen to my own needs and
understanding. I will be silent and in that silence listen for the voice within.