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The Art of Deep Listening is a 2-hr workshop at the Botanic Garden Sydney, that leads participants through a journey of listening as a multidimensional practice. It features contemplative practices that quiet the mind to develop calmness and focus, and also draws on an empathy interviewing technique from human-centred design. The session begins with a range of deep listening exercises in nature, allowing us to listen from a receptive and caring place within oneself. It builds to a series of dialogues, done in pairs and triads, that lean into a deeper and subtler level of meaning and understanding when communicating with others. This session is about cultivating a practice in listening that is generous, empathic, supportive and trusting.

While listening is a skill universally lauded, it’s rarely taught as a learning goal. This workshop situates participants in an unexpected but optimal environment deep in nature, to assist in accelerating listening skills and exploring a range of innovative techniques and frameworks that can be used to amplify our ability to listen deeply. Becoming better at deep listening takes a purposeful cultivation and is a lifetime endeavour. Unfortunately, unsatisfying and poor communication is rampant in society and much of that is in our inability to listen deeply and purposefully. We spend on average 45% of our time listening when we’re not talking, but are distracted, preoccupied, or forgetful about 75% of that time.

Speakers

Timothea Goddard is recognised as a pioneer in bringing Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) to Australia over the past two decades. She is the founding Director of Openground – the most significant Australia-wide not-for profit offering mindfulness programs, workshops and retreats. Tim has worked in private practice for 30+ years as a psychotherapist and educator.

Since 2016 Steve Pozel has been a leader of pioneering contemplative viewing and meditation programs working with major cultural institutions including the MCA; AGNSW; VIVID; Brisbane Festival and Sydney Opera House. He built this practice after three decades as Creative Director and CEO of numerous public art galleries in Canada and Australia.