Listening and Coachability
Listening is a very significant aspect of our being. How you listen to reality influences how reality will show up for you. Through listening we create a clearing in which world occurs for us. A common misconception is that the reality is influenced by our speaking. Speaking is part of the external occurrence that only reflects and expresses that which lies behind the scenes. Listening actually takes place behind the scenes, and sets the stage for what is possible in your world.
Unconsciously, we listen through a set of filters. These filters shape the information that enters our being. For example, selective listening, which is the normal state of most people, only allows in what corresponds to the already set idea of the world. If you have been lied to on numerous occasions, your listening may have created a filter call “they are probably lying to me”, which will be operational even when you are talking to someone you just met. Another term for filtered listening, introduced by Landmark education, is Already-Always listening – this kind of listening only re-confirms our perception of the world, and prevents us from experiencing the world as it is, an infinite mystery full of possibilities. Being aware of our listening and the filters allows us to have a choice of where to listen from. Some examples of Already-Always listening include:
“I already know or heard this”
“I am being manipulated”
“I don’t care, it’s not for me, or it makes no sense”
Being coachable means being open for contribution to be made. SpiritPath facilitators are a committed stand for each participant to come through to a new level of freedom. Although we will never impose, when we see it necessary, we will offer new points of view, actions and practices as opportunities to realize and transform stagnated energy. Being coachable means honestly and earnestly considering the coaching given by the facilitators, especially during the difficult moments of doubt and mistrust, and communicating in an open and responsible manner.
Throughout the retreat, we request that participant distinguish their Already-Always listening and try on listening from the space of possibility: Being coachable, generous, empowering others with their listening and listening from nothing. This kind of listening creates a clearing for the unknown to manifest itself, taking us to higher possibilities of being, that lie outside self-created boundaries.