Deep Listening and Dadirri

Not long ago I came upon a word I'd never heard before from the Aborigine language of Australia. It is "dadirri", which means

... inner, deep listening and quiet, still awareness. It is a 'tuning in' experience with the specific aim to come to a deeper understanding of the beauty of nature.
Dadirri recognizes the inner spirit that calls us to reflection and contemplation of the wonders of all God's creation. Within a deep silence we attempt to find the inner self, the perfect peace and the experience of God embracing us.



Miriam Rose

An Aboriginal Elder, writer, artist, and educator, Aunty Miriam Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann, from Nauiyu country, the Daly River in the Northern Territory. Her language is the Ngan’gikurunggurr language. She says “I believe it is the most important gift. It is our most unique gift. It is perhaps the greatest gift we can give to our fellow Australians. In our language this quality is called Dadirri. It is inner, deep listening, and quiet still awareness...it’s in everyone. It’s not just an Aboriginal thing.”

As I snooped around I discovered the Roman Catholic church in Australia is exploring dadirri, not as appropriation but as an avenue to reconciliation and respect. The history of the Christian church is so often of imposing faith and disrespect for Aboriginal traditions, including here in Canada. It resulted in cultural genocide and values contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The practice of dadirri speaks to me and certainly seems consistent with a fuller understanding of our Judeo-Christian tradition as well -- think of Elijah in the wilderness and Jesus retreating to a quiet place.

I'm grateful this morning for the gift of dadirri. Here is an exercise or process from a Reconciliation website:

Dadirri is all about taking time to listen and to be renewed. The Indigenous peoples have experienced dadirri for over 40,000 years.

Spend time in silent awareness. Be silent and become aware of sounds, fragrances.

Let us begin by resting the fields of the heart.

Visualise the new age that is about to be born.

Breathe in slowly the sacredness that is all around you. Exhale gently so as not to disturb the serenity of God.

Discover the quiet places and go down into the refreshing wells of the spirit. This is the time to listen to creation breathe.

Take a long and loving look at what is real.