In our Quaker communities we spend most of our time together either in worship, in Quaker business and committee meetings, or chatting over coffee after Sunday meeting. This doesn’t give us much time to really grow in Friendship and acceptance of each other.
A Quaker Listening Space creates an opportunity to come together in conversation, following agreed guidelines carefully created by the group itself. This creates a safe space that enables us to explore a topic, perhaps when we need to reach better understanding of each other’s views. In a listening space we don't make decisions, look for solutions or hold a debate. We simply listen with an open mind to each others’ experiences and thoughts to gain a fuller picture of the wider truth, welcoming diversity of views and experiences.
The value of a listening space goes beyond discovering new information. Being heard in a safe space fulfils many of our fundamental human needs. Listening spaces help people connect at a deeper level, improve discernment, and help in emotionally charged situations. They can provide a helpful framework for handling disagreement and conflict, and bring healing after trauma.
The use of a Quaker Listening Space can create a firm foundation for subsequent Threshing Meetings, Meetings for Clearness and Spiritual Reviews.
Read more about the Quaker Listening Space: overview and practice
Read more about the experience of using a regular Quaker Listening Space by a Local Meeting in Sussex: Listening Space at Blue Idol
Please contact us if you'd like to hear more.