Listening is a profound concept in the teachings of Jon Bernie. It goes beyond mere auditory function; it involves tuning the body, emotions, and consciousness. Unlike a violin that requires manual tuning, humans possess a self-tuning instrument within. Learning to listen allows this instrument to balance and heal itself.
Bernie often emphasizes the difference between listening and thinking. Thinking interferes with true listening, as it involves the ego, which he likens to a manager. This manager is essential for survival but often gets in the way of true presence and listening. The goal is to let the ego, or manager, step back and let the self-tuning instrument work naturally.
Even the Dalai Lama said that the purpose of life is to be happy. True listening brings happiness, not because the manager figured it out but because it allows an innate joy to surface. This practice of listening encourages one to be present with whatever emotion or sensation arises, without thinking too much about it.
Whether it is pain, restlessness, sadness, or irritation, Bernie advises listeners to stay with the sensation instead of getting lost in thinking. Thinking can spiral into infinite loops, much like the early internet experiences. The mind, like the internet, has infinite pathways and distractions. However, true listening transcends these mental constructs and taps into the infinite consciousness.
The good news, according to Bernie, is that one is not making happiness happen through effort. Happiness and fulfillment are natural states that emerge when one allows them to. This natural process of becoming aligned with unconditional love and peace happens by itself, without any forceful action.
One of the key aspects Bernie mentions is the need to be okay with all emotions, including anger. Emotions should be listened to and felt deeply, without resorting to judgments or suppressing them. This is part of the practice of paying attention and surrendering.
Bernie recounts a story of a student who was angry with him, but he welcomed the emotion. By doing so, he allowed the student to experience his anger fully, making Bernie the perfect teacher for triggering deep emotions that needed to be addressed.
What triggers a person often becomes a teacher, calling for deeper listening. This process of listening involves a vulnerable path of surrender, allowing for healing and transformation to happen naturally. It is not about accomplishing something through ego-driven efforts but about letting go and allowing the natural state of happiness to emerge.
Whether one believes it or not, the process of tuning and listening does happen when attention is truly paid. These teachings encourage individuals to explore this profound level of awareness.
Jon Bernie’s teachings provide invaluable insights into the art of listening and surrender. For more on Bernie’s teachings, consider reading this insightful book: “The Unbelievable Happiness of What Is: Beyond Belief to Love, Fulfillment, and Awakening” by Jon Bernie.
Watch the embedded video to deepen the understanding and experience of these teachings.
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