Summary

This book is an illuminating collection of essays on the art of listening. The nineteen essays are written by a diverse group of deep listeners, which includes clinicians, educators, Buddhists, social activists, and hospice and bereavement workers.

Quotes

"How can we ask good and useful questions that lead others to become clearer about how they are feeling, what their concerns are, and what actions they want to take? How can we do this in a way that supports both their intelligence and the development of maitri?" (maitri: Sanskrit word meaning compassionate friendship)

"There are some basic skills that we can learn and practice. The first steps in asking good questions are what we have already looked at: being present and listening. The more open we are to really hearing how things are for another person, the less likely we are to impose our own biases on the situation. So the first step, as always, is to show up with an open mind and heart." (From "Being a Good Listener" by Karen Kissel Wegela)

General Themes

The general theme is well stated by editor, Mark Brady, in the book's conclusion:
"Whatever perspective each of the contributors to this collection has offered, if there is a central theme that shines through, it is this: Listening is a skill that can be greatly improved upon for most of us, and it may in deed be one of the most important skills we can cultivate in our lives. It is a skill out of which great questions and world preserving creative responses can find a safe place to come into being."

What the Reviewer Liked

I liked reading the various authors' thoughts on the subject of listening. The essays different approaches to the topic, as evidenced by their titles - Listening with Presence, Awareness and Love, The Healing Power of Being Deeply Heard, The Listening Mind, Listening Through the Body, Fierce Listening, etc.- held their own as individual pieces, and, taken as a whole, built on each other in an evocative, thought provoking manner.

Shortcomings or Flaws

None.

Writing Style

While the authors had different voices, I would say the general tone of the book is earnest and academic. That said, it is straightforwardly informative and interesting.

Author Qualifications

The various authors have practiced listening. They speak with the authority of their education, and their life experiences.

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Kara is the Gothic root of the word "care."
It means to reach out, to care, to lament, to grieve with.