Religion

Deep listening is an idea found in several First Nations knowledge traditions. In Ngungikurungkurr it is dadirri. In Yorta Yorta it is gulpa ngawal (Brearly, 2010, p.13). For Ungunmerr, dadirri is “inner, deep listening and quiet, still awareness. Dadirri recognises the deep spring inside us” (2017, p.14). Deep listening is a way to experience the centrality of Country.

Deep Listening describes a way of learning, working and being together. It is informed by the concepts of community and reciprocity. It means listening with a sense of responsibility to stories that are told. It also means listening and observing the self as well (Atkinson, 2001).

Deep Listening involves listening respectfully. It draws on every sense and every part of our being. It can happen in silence. It takes time (Brearly, 2010, p.13).

Ungunmerr describes the concept of dadirri in the reading below. For her, it also has religious connections. This is an optional reading, with key ideas summarised here.

1. Land and nature: this is a practice embedded in the natural world.

2. People: this practice is about respect between people.

3. Listening: this practice requires listening with the heart.

4. Stillness: breathe, be still, be where you are, be aware.

5. Don’t rush: everything has its own pace and time.

6. Silence: is OK.

Ungunmerr, M.-R. (2017). Dadirri: Inner Deep Listening and Quiet Still Awareness. EarthSong, 3(4), 14–15.