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DEEP LISTENING
By Brian Kimmel (Chan Lien Dinh)
This article appeared in the summer issue of TTT Spirit Newsletter, Germany in 2007.  TTT Spirit is a community of youth of Vietnamese descent inspired by the teachings of Venerable Zen Master, Su Ong Thich Nhat Hanh.
Copyright 2007 Brian Kimmel

"Deep listening is about healing and transforming whatever suffering is in our heart and store-consciousness.  If we listen deeply enough to what is being said, our understanding will transcend words."

One of the hardest things about being twenty-six is feeling like I don't have the support to live in the world, and to be mindful at the same time.  My mind is often filled with regret, sorrow, and confusion.  Where to begin on this path of transformation, love and healing?

I've often considered running to the monastery and becoming a monk, in search of some relief from the pressures of society.  Social obligations seem too much to bear sometimes.  Between conversations of parties people have attended, and things they want to buy, I'm concerned with practical things like: What to wear?  What to eat?  How to style my hair?  How to make a living?  All these questions seem to have answers that don't satisfy me.  What about noble silence?  What about deep listening?

Deep listening meditation is part of our Tuesday Night Sangha in Las Vegas.  We offer members an opportunity to speak about what is in their heart.  We've had many people share intimate things about their lives with us, feeling safe in the support of the sangha, and the atmosphere of harmony the sangha creates.  Many people have cried in our circle, and afterwards have felt so relieved, and so grateful to have had the opportunity to tell someone how they feel, and to offer deep listening to others.

Our practice on Tuesday Nights is very simple.  We start the evening with a session or two of sitting and walking meditation.  Sometimes we may even sit and walk leisurely outside.  Then we may listen to a talk, sing songs, or introduce ourselves.  We always end the evening with deep listening.

We invite a sound of the bell to start the session.  Everyone allows the space to be open and clear.  We do not say anything unless we are the ones sharing.  Whomever would like to share joins their palms together.  The rest of the group joins their palms to acknowledge them.  This is an oath we offer, a promise to allow them the space to be heard.  We vow, silently, not to cross-talk or interrupt anyone as they are speaking, and vow to allow at least a few breaths when they are finished before opening the floor to someone else.  The person, in conclusion, joins their palms in order to express their gratitude to the attention that has been offered to them.

Deep listening is about healing and transforming whatever suffering is in our heart and store-consciousness.  One important aspect of deep listening is allowing what is said to come from emptiness, and return to emptiness.  We don't want to be the bearer of another's suffering.  To do deep listening effectively, we must listen and invoke the heart of Bodhisattva Avalokita.  We listen with the heart of compassion and non-attachment.  If we listen deeply enough to what is being said, our understanding will transcend words. 

Many people listen and often attach meanings, views, or judgements to what has been said.  We may not even hear the other person.  We may only be hearing our own thoughts and perceptions.  We may only be thinking about ourselves, and what we are going to say, or how we are going to respond.

To listen deeply, we must get out of the way.  We must give our full attention to the person that is speaking.  Even if that person is silent, our attention is with them.  I've often suggested the practice of saying the person's name silently in order to keep our mindfulness on them, and keep from wandering aimlessly with our own thoughts and feelings. 

We need to be calm in body and mind in order to listen.  That is why sitting, walking and singing is helpful to do first.  Deep listening is a meditation, and takes practice.  We learn through experience how to be better listeners.

I have found the practice of deep listening, both being heard and hearing others, to be very effective in dealing with the stresses and pressures of lay life.  Going to the monastery isn't always the best way to find peace.  Being a monk has its challenges too! 

Peace is available in the here and now.  It sometimes takes a little more effort to be present with our own suffering.  We want so much to be happy, and yet we aren't doing the things we need to do in order to make happiness possible.  It may be taking a break from partying on the weekend.  It may be shaving off our hair so we don’t have to think about how we’re going to style it.  It may be just simply looking in the mirror and smiling. 

We need sangha, we need a system of friends to help us.  We need help in order to listen deeply to ourselves.  We need to ask ourselves, "What do I need in order to support my practice, in order to remain safe, solid and free?"

Brian in Lights

     SOUNDS OF HEALING CONCERTS - Piano pop's alternative, Brian Kimmel is a cut above of the rest when it comes to raising your level of consciousness. He invites us all through his luminous voice and joyful spirit to "Live as a beautiful me."  Whether your musical frequency is closer to rock or easy listening, Brian's concert will feed your soul with the music it needs.  To say his sounds and words will transport you, can't describe the deeply moving place where you will land.  His songs, spiritual talks, and "Love" CDs are spellbinding.  Seriously addicting.

A classically trained pianist and singer.  He sounds a lot like a young Freddie Mercury with the swooning poise of Tim and Jeff Buckley, and the mean left hand and lyrical dominance of Tori Amos all wrapped up in an Engaged Buddhist Bomb Shell of Peace, Love and Liberation for all.   Through his music, vocals and inspirational talks, everyone is invited to relax, close their eyes, and open their hearts to an exquisite journey to bliss, transformation and inner peace.