Magical Monday: Learning to Listen

Every Monday, I’ll share a simple spell or charm that I use in my own busy practice. Remember, magic doesn’t always have to be a formal affair!

I’ve always been a talker. As a kid, I wanted the full attention of the adults around me, and as I grew older, I kept chattering, but I was never really good at listening. Lately, though, I’ve been making a conscious effort to choose my words carefully, and at the same time, listen more than I speak. It isn’t always easy, but I’m determined to keep at it.

Listening is doubly important in a spiritual practice; we have to be able to tune in to the messages from deity, the Universe, and our own all-knowing souls. To do that, however, we need to be receptive.

Here are a few ways I’m working on improving both my mundane and magical listening abilities:

• Don’t speak negativity: the more I complain (to friends or Goddess), the more cranky I find myself becoming. A good vent session is important every now and again, but I try to consciously limit the negative words that come out of my mouth on a day-to-day basis. (My next challenge: negative thoughts).
• Ask questions and wait for an answer. In teaching, we call this “wait time”: when you ask a question, really sit back and wait to hear what answers may arise. They aren’t always instant, and they don’t always make sense, but give the Universe (or your partner) a chance to fully digest the question and respond before you move on.
• Meditate. Seriously, I’ve found my ability to listen has increased since I began a regular mediation practice, perhaps since meditating is a way of listening without judgement to ourselves. If meditation is new for you, don’t worry: it’s not as hard as you think. Give yourself five minutes in the morning right after you wake up to sit quietly and pay attention to your breathing, or start with a guided meditation (there are lots of free downloads and videos available). Little by little, you will get the double benefit of slowing down and learning to listen.

How do you make sure you are receptive and listening to the people in your life? How do you tune in to yourself and Deity?