Falling on Deaf Ears
You know when you get one of those insights that sends happy zings up your spine, propelling you to express this million-dollar idea to someone nearby only for them to look back at you silent, eyes glazed over, and not at all in alignment with your newfound enthusiasm?
It’s like you just shared this life-changing (or so you thought) heaven bequeathed download to a brick wall.
It’s not that the idea is bad or unfeasible, or that the other person is ignorant/not on your wavelength. More likely, the communication was unclear and simply unwarranted. It was probably just the wrong time.
The Fire Element and Listening
In Chinese Medicine, clear communication indicates a balanced Fire element. More specifically, balance within the Small Intestine Meridian System. According to Five Element Theory, one of the major functions of this system involves the art of effortlessly expressing your heart into the world via correct listening and intuition. Just a quick refresher - the Heart and Small Intestine meridians are Yin/Yang pairs within the Fire Element system.
If we follow the direction of the Small Intestine meridian to its final acupuncture point (Small Intestine 19), we see that it is located just in front of the opening of the ear. In pathology, it is a major point used for both ear and jaw issues. Treating from a more humanistic lens, it is a point that helps us communicate more clearly and effectively by empowering our ability to hear on a deeper level.
And listening not just with the ears, but with one’s entire being. Being intentionally present, open, and receptive. This is level 3 listening. The kind of listening required when the Classics name the Superior Physician as one who can treat successfully just through “looking” at someone. All that other logistical busywork of asking questions and pulse taking and tongue viewing and the longest intake forms you’ve ever seen in your life are for those of us who are still working on our listening skills.
Because to listen at the highest level is the only way to truly see someone else. And being truly seen is prime medicine. It’s what creates the space for someone to recognize their unique healing potential.
Circling back to my tendency of speaking out into the world for it to only fall on deaf ears - perhaps I can learn how to really listen. Thus waiting for the opportunity, rather than projecting my enthusiasm on someone else who just wasn’t ready or wanting to hear.
Listening on a deep level is essential. Especially now. Because if we tune in, quiet the mind, and wait for the right moment, perhaps what we say will lead to positive transformation rather than division or resistance. Words can heal. Or they can poison. But it’s up to us. It’s always, simply, up to us.
