I thought it would be fun to have my editor visit for a day. Here’s what Brenda Knight, Associate Publisher at Cleis Press and Viva Editions, sent. Please give her a big welcome! ~Delilah Devlin

The Power of True Listening

When you are talking to a friend or loved one, do you stop, look them in the eye and just hear what they have to say? When you cease all the multitasking and monkey-mind worrying and offer true attention, it is one of the most generous and meaningful acts you can ever do. When you model this “true listening,” so you shall receive.

Stay open. I was in a little shop the other day and an older, very interesting women came up to me and wanted to chat. I could tell she was European and she seemed like she was an artist. Indeed she was from the Isle of Crete and had cards with her lovely “meditational art” on them. She said she wanted to cite her favorite meditation, and at first, I felt resistant and wanted to make an excuse and dash off. Based on my newfound practice of real listening, I decided to stop, look, and listen. Her meditation was lovely and I felt immediately calmer. My new Cretan friend simply beamed with joy and light. She gifted me with two of her art cards and walked swiftly away. It almost felt like an angelic visitation, but I marveled that she simply shared joy and beauty with me. By being open, I received a lovely uplifting gift and memory.

Try it. Listening will open up new worlds for you. So I, for one, plan to talk less and listen more!