{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Listening to the Song: The Transformative Power of Deep Listening, Part 1","description":" What becomes possible when we truly listen\u2014to ourselves, to one another and to the life around us? In part 1 of this two-part series, we\u2019ll explore listening as a profound spiritual practice and a pathway to intimacy, compassion and healing. When we feel genuinely heard, our defenses can soften, our hearts can open and something that has been blocked begins to flow again. Together, we\u2019ll look at what gets in the way of deep listening, along with practices for cultivating a more receptive presence: setting an intention for understanding and connection, listening inwardly to our own experience, and learning to listen to others with what Saint Benedict called the \u201cears of the heart.\u201d Especially in a time of distraction and division, deep listening can become a radical expression of care. As we learn to quiet ourselves and listen beneath the words, we create the conditions for greater understanding, connection and healing\u2014in our relationships and in our world. In this talk, you will: \u2728 Discover how deep listening can create greater intimacy, understanding, and connection \u2728 Recognize the habits\u2014distraction, fear, reactivity, and hidden agendas\u2014that keep us from truly hearing one another \u2728 Learn to listen inwardly with mindfulness and self-compassion so we can be more present with others \u2728 Explore how listening with an open, undefended heart can bring healing to our relationships \u2728 Practice cultivating a receptive presence that helps us listen more deeply to ourselves, each other, and our world Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, \u00a9 2025 ABT Music   ","author_name":"Tara Brach","author_url":"https:\/\/www.tarabrach.com","html":"