C. Post-Session Materials

Reading Resources

Thich Nhat Hanh, What is a Sangha

Videos Resources

1. Levels of listening | Otto Scharmer

We listen from four fields of attention:
1. Habitual listening. When we listen from the center of our own prism (our own perspective, ego, beliefs and thoughts), we are listening habitually. Here we reconfirm our beliefs and biases.
2. Factual listening. When we listen with an open mind, we learn new facts. Here we may become aware of data that does not confirm our beliefs and biases.
3. Empathic listening. When we listen with an open heart, we see the situation through the eyes of the speaker. Here we get an emotional connection to the speaker’s experience and sharing.
4. Generative listening. When we listen with an open will, we can connect with an “emerging future possibility”. Here we can sense the highest emerging future selves that we are capable of becoming.
To understand how these levels of listening map on to the way we speak/interact, please see the following video.

2. The power of empathy in listening | Otto Scharmer

Usually all speakers in a group follow the same pattern of interaction – the “field”. There are usually four fields:
1. Downloading or talking nice. Here we say what others want us to say, aiming to fit in. Learning in schools happens in this style of listening/talking. This does not enable us to talk about the real issues.
2. Debating or talking tough. Here we talk about what “I” think, rather than what others want me to say. This style is useful as it brings many perspectives to the table. However, this style of talking makes us defensive, as we identify ourselves with our opinions or perspectives.
3. Dialogue or reflection. Here we talk of ourselves as part of a larger whole.This enables us to be reflective, as we see ourselves as separate from our opinion or perspectives.
How can we shift the field or pattern of interaction?