ATTENTIVE LISTENING is an extraordinary gift to another as well as oneself. When one listens within, the heart opens to sacred gifts - to God's grace falling on discerning eyes and ears. Of course, what I mean are our spiritual eyes and ears, that with which we discern in the profound process of spiritually listening. On the human, physical level, one could also come to the realization that using our ears and eyes and touch and taste and smell brings us information that is helpful in understanding what is happening in our life. Truly, they are tools for exercising discernment in listening to our environment and its impact on our lives. But, only on a physical level.

There are deeper ways of listening, too, like when in companionship within... when listening to the still, small voice for guidance or response to need. Sometimes we go within and think we haven't done a thing to enrich our lives. Yet, going within with a listening intention helps to build relationship with God, just as merely paying attention to what another says does. It is richly reinforcing to another to know that you are willing to invest some of your precious life in simply being there for them. In the same way, by simply being in the presence of the Lord, that same intent is afforded your relationship to God. Many times, the response is simply to let you rest in this richly healing space while at the same time building your capacity to listen.

At other times, when we go within to listen, the response is the sacred Word of God. And, when heard, you can bring it into being as the absolute, practical Truth for everyday living. Conciliation with the simple Truth is both the route and the finish line. Conciliation thus is a good, practical tack to take. It brings all the Word into Light. Makes it real. Brings it home, where the heart can assimilate it... can cause it to effect change within so that Life changes without. Yes, listening attentively - within - is a good tack. You're a splendid sea captain when you go sailing as God's emissary of Love, Life, and Truth. Rest in this understanding now for a bit and all will flow out from within. Let It unfold as the Truth, Love and Life It Is. Simply. Easily.

When you are re-conciled with God, Life just Is. Without energy. Without work. Without thought. Life thus shows itself as a simple, spontaneous, unfolding in all its innocence. Perhaps without you even being aware of it, you are becoming that way, more and more... simply for the discernment developed in listening. Let it be that way, more and more. Peace comes to you in such moments of revelation, unfolding your Life as it unveils your Divinity.

Know this about yourself: no matter what anyone does to you, or how someone behaves toward you, in the only reality there is - you are Loving, just as they are Loving. The only difference is that you now know that you are Loving and may demonstrate that. Many do not know they are Loving and therefore do not demonstrate it so readily. They only put their toe in the water, while you dive in without the limitation of fear. This only makes you different - not better - than the other.

The important thing to remember is this: how and what someone else demonstrates has nothing at all to do with you. It only makes a statement about them and where they are in their hearts at the moment. Be a living example for them by Loving always. No matter what. Nothing ruffles your feathers when you live this way. Loving this way is the example to set for others... how you fly, no matter what turbulence, no matter what the conditions or circumstances. And - oh, yes - while you do, you chirp the sounds and feeling of joy. Whoever says you're for the birds is perfectly correct, then, right?

So, for just a moment, picture yourself as a soaring eagle, which sees all as if from a distance. Observing, observing... simply riding the currents of Life until finding the "catch" for the day... in this case, the one who beckons you for assistance. Then, and only then, do you swoop in from your position of Life perspective to be there. Focused, completely present for them. This is enough. By your being in conciliation with Life, others are inspired to be reconciled with it, too. Many will see in you a quiet confidence in Life and about Life and all its offerings. But because you live It so naturally - demonstrating it spontaneously - you don't pay particular attention to it, or draw attention to yourself this way. Its naturalness is allowed to flow freely in you. The ONLY way that can occur is through its authentic nature. So, just keep being what you are, just as you are: you are Nature, holy and pure. See yourself this way, now and always. Then, let go of the knowing. Just be, letting It flow so beautifully through you as the example you are.

When you listen within and discern your menu for the day, and then set about loving through it all, you are showing how purely Godlike you are. You are showing how freely you give of It with all. Know that this is exactly the path of Loving that all are called to be and demonstrate. Rest in this Truth now, letting It seep completely into the fabric of your being, permeating every morsel of your fiber. Rest with It until your heart is completely at peace and filled with the joy - nay, the ecstasy - of knowing and being what and who you Truly are. For as you are, you are fully that... re-conciled to only that which you are. You live that which you are, moment by moment. What other purpose need there be? You are purpose, just as all are. Look for purpose in all... show them that you see purpose in them.

This is but one of the gifts you give to all. By enlightening others as to their purpose, you open the door for them to not only be purpose - to make it legitimate and noble for them to be purpose - but also to then open the door for others so they can multiply the demonstration of the Life of Loving manifold.

This is needed now on planet Earth, more than anything else. So, by all means continue your part in it, that others will be inspired to do likewise. It is for all of us to be, so that dignity of Life is restored. One way or another, It will be again what It already is. Keep bringing the peaceful, Loving way into being, and it will multiply the power of conciliation necessary to demonstrate peace throughout all of Life. You are not just one drop in the ocean. You are ocean! Each time you embrace and embellish what you are, all else is embellished in the same act, the same Light. Teach others this Truth by your example.

Living this Truth starts with listening, both within and without... expressing discernment so this clarity of Truth can see the light of day in its loving demonstration. You are called to be a good listener now. So, listen, and obey the call. Your life will never be richer, more true to what you really are. Your purpose, therefore, is manifested moment by loving moment.

SPIRIT NOODLES

1. What kind of listener are you? Where are you and what do you do when listening to another in need?
2. To what degree do you listen within?
3. How do you feel when others do not listen carefully when you wish to be heard?
4. Identify those characteristics you observe in others who are good listeners. Compare and contrast those characteristics with your own.
5. How can you be a better listener, both with others and within?
6. How can you assist others in achieving a better listening attitude when you wish to be heard?
7. Describe the term discernment in the context of being a good listener. How does good discernment come about? How can you enhance it for yourself, as well as assisting others to enhance their own?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jim Young, who exercised an early retirement option to pursue his art and spiritual interests, is a published, award-winning writer, poet and documentary/fine art photographer who has received grants and gifts for support of his art, some of which is found in institutional and private collections nationally. His photographic images are exhibited widely throughout the United States and abroad. Dr. Young is a graduate of the ecumenical School for Spiritual Directors at the Pecos Benedictine Monastery (NM), and served as the monastery’s first lay director of public relations and fund-raising, where he initiated an extensive religious arts program. Basically a metaphysician who labels himself as an orthodox eclectic, he also has availed himself of numerous holistic healing intensive programs and is a Reiki, Christian Science and Holographic Repatterning practitioner in addition to serving as a spiritual director. The author of a dozen spiritual manuscripts, he is a lifetime student of spirituality and its implications for reframing life’s journey, especially from one of separation and the pain separation engenders, to one of Oneness, and the inner joy and peace that infills from this perspective. Dr. Young is a gifted inspirational speaker who often uses life’s parables to convey spiritual meaning, and inspires others to look within for the Truth that can transcend the superficial.

Jim has just published three books in a new "My Spiritual Awareness" series: The Creation Spirit; A Labor of Love; and Keys to the Door of Truth. All are available through his personal website, Barnes and Noble, or your favorite bookstore. Visit him online at http://creationspirit.net, or email him at dimitrios@creationspirit.net.