The Art of Listening: Application & Practice 32nd Annual Pacifica Synod Assembly May 2019 Brian J. Collins Assistant Professor of Philosophy Founder & Director of SoCal Philosophy Academy

Acknowledgment of the Difficulty! Process oriented Skill & character focused (practice and habit) Must actively work against automatic responses This application and practice is idealized Life-long learning! Work/life balance – especially difficult if you see your “work” as vocational

Philosophy & Difficult Dialogues How Philosophy Might Help Us Become Better Listeners and Navigate Difficult Dialogues Philosophy starts from a place of WONDER Productive dialogue requires authentic speaking, and more importantly, LISTENING! (“speaking and listening from the heart”) Skills: being open to WONDER HUMILITY Creative and critical thinking Collaboration Dialogue/communication Ability to express one’s thoughts/ideas/worries/etc. Charitability

Philosophy & Difficult Dialogues How Philosophy Might Help Us Become Better Listeners and Navigate Difficult Dialogues Authentic/Intentional Listening (“The Art of Listening”): Assumptions are barriers Be present and attentive – practice mindfulness Acknowledge – need not agree, but understand Show humility – don’t seek to be right Summarize, recap, and clarify Invite further dialogue Basic Practices for Active Listening Be present and attentive – practice presence Acknowledge – need not agree, but understand Reflect - mirror what is being said Show humility – don’t seek to be right Summarize, recap and clarify Invite further dialogue Assumptions are barriers to listening and civil discourse.

Philosophy & Difficult Dialogues How Philosophy Might Help Us Become Better Listeners and Navigate Difficult Dialogues Constructive dialogue (“civil discourse”) must be facilitated by a common process (i.e., valuable and authentic communication about any topic can only happen after there is a process, acknowledgment, recognition, etc. of a process and common goal) Basic Practices for Active Listening Be present and attentive – practice presence Acknowledge – need not agree, but understand Reflect - mirror what is being said Show humility – don’t seek to be right Summarize, recap and clarify Invite further dialogue Assumptions are barriers to listening and civil discourse.

Guidelines Listen “from the heart.” Try not to be thinking of a response or your own story when you are not the speaker. Seek to be able to repeat what the speaker shares in a way that they would affirm. When it is your turn to speak, speak concisely in order to stay within the designated time limit. Pause briefly between speakers to let things “sink in” and for the next speaker to gather their thoughts. Seek to share a story and ideas, not to persuade. Individuals are always free to “pass” on speaking. Conclusion/Summary Review skills, process, acknowledging difficulty, etc. Skills: being open to WONDER Creative and critical thinking Collaboration Dialogue/communication Ability to express one’s thoughts/ideas/worries/etc. Charitability

Process Form small groups (3 or 4 people is ideal) Briefly introduce yourself (name/institution/title or role) (take turns speaking in a clockwise direction) (no more than 30 seconds each) Think about the topic of IMMIGRATION. What in your life experience has shaped your general perspective on the topic? (think is terms of sharing a story) (1 minute) (The purpose of taking this time is to avoid trying to formulate your thoughts while others are speaking) Share your story (take turns speaking in a clockwise direction) (3 minutes maximum for each) Next, respond to what you have heard (2 minutes max for each) Do you have any mixed feelings or any uncertainties about any aspect of your perspective? If there is any remaining time, please engage in “open conversation,” using “I statements,” seeking clarification, identifying agreements, or reflecting on the process. Conclusion/Summary Review skills, process, acknowledging difficulty, etc. Skills: being open to WONDER Creative and critical thinking Collaboration Dialogue/communication Ability to express one’s thoughts/ideas/worries/etc. Charitability This procedure is adapted from Darrell Jodock’s plenary session at the 2018 Vocation of a Lutheran College Conference (Augsburg University - Minneapolis, MN)

@SoCalPhilosophy @socalphilosophyacademy Thank you! Best wishes with your diligence (and patience) in your continued engagement with difficult dialogues! Follow SoCal Philosophy Academy’s activity on our website and connect with us on social media! www.callutheran.edu/philosophy-academy @SoCalPhilosophy @socalphilosophyacademy Preview the website and the social media pages