No Defense. . .
True listening is rare. Most of us don’t really listen; we prepare our reply. We defend our stories, our egos, our truths — and in doing so, we miss the chance to connect.
To listen without defending means to be open, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s the practice of receiving words without instantly filtering them through the lens of me.
When someone speaks their pain, let it land before you respond. When they share their view, try not to fix it — just listen. Listening itself can be healing.
In Buddhism, this is a form of right speech — not only in how we speak, but in how we receive. Silence, empathy, and awareness can dissolve walls faster than argument ever will.
Today, let someone’s words breathe in your heart before you answer. You may find that understanding often says more than any defense could.
Peace and Love, Jim
#defense #thedailybuddha #tdb
