The Good World
The Good World
Rev Br Seth Samuels
How I’m learning to stop talking over myself and finally actually listen
21 minutes Posted Oct 17, 2024 at 12:48 am.
Introduction: The Journey of Listening
Inner MBA and the Art of Listening
The Challenge of Speaking vs. Listening
Realizations During the Exercise
Cultural Conditioning and Body Awareness
Listening to Our Bodies: A New Perspective
The Importance of Acknowledging Feelings
Understanding Emotional Responses
The Consequences of Ignoring Feelings
Newton's Cradle: A Metaphor for Emotions
The Importance of Listening to Ourselves
Conclusion: Embracing Body Awareness
Farewell and Call to Action
0:00
21:17
Download MP3
Show notes
In this episode of "The Good World," I, Seth, delve into the often-overlooked art of listening—both to others and to ourselves. I kick off the episode by sharing a personal experience from my morning, where I found myself unusually tired and decided to take a nap instead of sticking to my usual schedule. This moment of self-awareness sets the stage for a deeper exploration of how we often neglect our own needs in favor of productivity.
I recount a recent Zoom meeting I had as part of my Inner MBA program, where we engaged in a listening exercise. The exercise required one person to speak while the other listened, a practice I’ve encountered in both my MBA and seminary studies. As I prepared to share my thoughts, I was unexpectedly paired with someone who had a lighter shirt, meaning I had to listen first. This twist forced me to confront my tendency to overthink and plan my responses rather than truly listen to what was happening in the moment.
Throughout the episode, I reflect on how my ability to talk at length has overshadowed my capacity to listen—not just to others, but to my own body and feelings. I discuss the cultural conditioning that often discourages us from tuning into our bodily sensations, particularly in Western society, where we are taught to intellectualize our experiences rather than feel them. I highlight the importance of recognizing physical sensations, such as anxiety or discomfort, and the need to sit with those feelings instead of talking over them.
I also touch on the dangers of ignoring our bodies' signals, which can lead to harmful behaviors and strained relationships. Using the metaphor of a Newton's Cradle, I illustrate how unaddressed feelings can bounce from one person to another, creating a cycle of hurt and misunderstanding.
As I wrap up the episode, I emphasize the importance of listening to ourselves and our bodies, encouraging listeners to take a moment to breathe and acknowledge their feelings. I remind everyone that while the world may be chaotic, we can find a sense of peace by simply tuning in to what our bodies are telling us.
In closing, I invite listeners to join me in this journey of self-discovery and awareness, reminding them that we can all thrive by learning to listen more deeply—both to ourselves and to each other. Thank you for tuning in, and let’s continue to build a world that is good together.
Support me on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/goodworld
Store: https://goodworld.printful.me
Instagram: https://instagram.com/goodworld.love
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@goodworld.love
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodworld.love
Theme song animation by Deborah Pinkney. Check out her work at https://www.deborahpinkney.com