The Creativity of Listening

As a society we are not very good at listening – and yet we all need to be heard. This fact has been at the heart of Bill Kirkpatrick’s ministry for over fifty years in his work as a nurse and a priest. His belief that meaningful dialogue is nurtured through the sacred art of listening is the central message of The Creativity of Listening. Being heard empowers us towards a greater sense of worth, and it affirms our innate dignity. If we recognise this, and take the time to listen, hear and respond to the other, we embark on a co-creative journey that may begin to counter the ‘non-listening’ that has become so prevalent in our society. Bill Kirkpatrick writes for those whose primary work is to be involved on a professional or a volunteer level as listeners, but also for all those seeking to listen more closely to themselves, each other and God.