Dharma Sharing and Deep Listening

“I am listening to this person with only one purpose: to give this person a chance to suffer less.”

~Thich Nhat Hanh

Dharma Sharing is an opportunity for us to learn from one another’s experience of the practice. It is a chance for us to share things that are presently in our hearts. When we are not sharing, we practice listening deeply to the person who is sharing. We work to keep our minds open, without judging, reacting, or analyzing. We listen to simply hold what is being shared.  There is no “cross-talk,” and we do not ask questions or offer solutions. In between shares we take a few mindful breaths together. The silence in between each share supports and nourishes deep listening.

Sharing mindfully and listening deeply in this manner enables us to touch the richness in ourselves and others, to develop understanding, and to cultivate and offer compassion.