Listening as a generous act

Exploring what Matters in Professional Listening Practices

Samenvatting

Listening is a key component of pastoral care, yet practitioners often find it a challenge. In this article, we will examine active listening, which engages not only auditory faculties but also has visual, bodily, and affective dimensions. Attentive listening entails an empathetic orientation and an intentional openness to the other. This article argues that active and attentive listening require both deliberate preparation and mindful self-awareness, in addition to technical competencies such as paraphrasing. The discussion further explores various listening preferences and emphasises the significance of ‘wholehearted listening’, characterised by attentiveness, hospitality, and relational presence. In conclusion, the article considers how discernment, an open-minded stance, and reliance on divine wisdom contribute to the practice of listening as a generous act, fostering personal and spiritual development in others.