The Practice of Deep Listening
I’ve recently moved back to Norway, and I’ve committed to spending the next six months in the wild and powerful mountains. It’s very quiet here, and the biggest noise pollution is the sound of my own phone. There is a population of about 400 people, and I probably see more animals than humans. This kind of setting is giving me the space to deeply listen, reflect and contemplate. After ten years in the south of England it feels like moving abroad again. Thankfully, I still speak the language, though at this point I’d call it Anglo Norwegian.
The part of me that feels unsafe keeps telling me that I need to make things happen.
I need to book a space to set up Kambo ceremonies, get a men’s group going and travel into Stavanger to build a network. I need to get a job, any job as the money won’t last.
This noise is very tempting to follow as a part of me only wants to feel safe and secure.
I got in touch with a few people about potential spaces I could host groups from, and just as we were supposed to meet up and make it happen, I pulled out. I noticed I was pushing it. There was absolutely no one that had enquired about Kambo or for me arrange a group in Stavanger.
I realised it was an ego-driven idea that came from a need to feel safe.
Then I started noticing what happened every time I listened to the ‘universe.’ And of course, the ‘universe’ in this case had to be coming through my mother. And bless her, I push away her ideas a lot, because “I need to be a man that comes to my own ideas and decisions. I can’t be listening to women, particularly my mother…”
She suggested I check out the local sauna, and when I went there the only other person in the sauna had interest in Kambo and plant medicine.
She also suggested I check out an ancient cave used for thousands of years. I went there, felt the air, touched the stones and showered naked in the dripping water from the massive cliff above. I felt deeply inspired to hold ceremonies there.
When she suggested I check out a local farm down the road, I rejected the idea at first, but they are doing some cool work, so I went down and instantly got a great connection with the owners.
All these situations led me to realise that my current practice is deep listening.
Spirit or Shakti is always speaking. I just have to be open, aware and present.
When I deeply listen and slow down I can notice the inspiration in my entire body.
To paraphrase John Wineland “it’s either a hell yes or a no.”
The most important practice is to regulate my nervous system, and from slowness and stillness I’ll be able to hear invitations from spirit.
I’m touched by the mighty mountains and wild deer, moose, eagles, the fresh air and mineral rich water.
And I sense a deep feeling of inspiration and excitement for what’s to come.