Saturday morning, I lie in bed and chat with my wife, Donna, retelling my story on sharing thoughts with colleagues about my movie viewing habits.
Like, I don’t worry about knowing the ending before watching a movie, and admitting, I will take a look at the last page of a book!
Perhaps the reason, I am not an avid reader!
My main claim to fame, though, is leaving a movie without having it paused while I’m away.
Why?
Well, I’m not going to miss anything, and I can fill in the blanks without pestering anyone!
I am not sure that this, not bugging anyone, is true, but I’m sticking with it!
Until now!
Having listened to my exaggerated account of the value of accepting a missing piece of a movie by ignoring her offer to pause the film, Donna swiftly shattered my illusions.
If there was ever a moment when I became present to the deep listening and the experience of what is available to others in the way they listen, then this was the moment!
Through Donna’s contribution, I became present to the ‘missing’.
Imagine listening, really listening!
By listening, I mean interpreting what I see, hear, feel, and the arising emotions and moods, to derive an experience without evaluation.
Put simply; my listening is filtered by my thoughts and thinking, represented in part by the idea that I can miss a piece of a film and fill in the blanks!
Donna is listening from nothing.
Participating in the entire experience of the film, as if being a part of the film.
Donna is present to the ‘whole’ film; missing a piece corrupts her experience and diminishes the intentions and contribution of the scriptwriters, musicians, directors, actors, lighting, camera operators, and everyone involved.
I have a delightful vision of Donna being in the film and perhaps even behind a camera, such is her immersion in her experience.
So, where to next?
I am now enquiring to what extent my listening limits my experience and opportunities in life?
While I ponder, Donna, would you mind pausing the film for me, please?
Joy and Success, Alan 🙂