Dadirri: The Aboriginal Art of Deep Listening
At a recent naturopathic symposium, the Aboriginal practice of Dadirri came up many times. While the word was new to me, the concept is ancient. It struck me that now more than ever, Dadirri is greatly needed.
“Dadirri is in everyone. It is not just an Aboriginal thing”.
Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr
Deep listening
Imagine pausing and connecting to your environment and sounds of nature around you. Truly listen to the earth, to the stories and the silence within yourself.
Dadirri, a practice of the Ngan’gikurunggurr and Ngen’giwumirrithe people, means ‘inner deep listening and quiet, still awareness’. It’s a simple soulful concept, inviting us to slow down and connect with our environment and community.
What is Dadirri?
In this beautiful, three-minute video Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr takes us to her land and shares the meaning of Dadirri.
Presence and connection
While deep listening might be considered a form of mindfulness, Dadirri takes it further to connect us to earth, people and culture.
In our increasingly disconnected and isolating world there’s a growing hunger for presence and connection, even if we’re not fully conscious of this need. When life feels loud and hurried, it might be challenging to find the patience and stillness to listen and connect.
Four ways Dadirri nurtures connection
Dadirri helps us cultivate the following skills:
Cultivate presence: Finding a pocket of nature, even an urban backyard, can encourage us connect to the earth and beings who inhabit it by being truly present.
Embrace silence: In a society that’s often uncomfortable with silence, Dadirri teaches that stillness is not emptiness but a space for renewal and self-discovery. Embracing quiet moments can help soothe feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
Practise deep self-reflection: Dadirri encourages gentle reflection on who you are, where you’ve come from, and where you’re going. This mindful self-inquiry may be grounding, especially when life is busy. Even more so during times of life transition or emotional upheaval.
Build community: Practising deep listening with others by being fully present, hearing without judgment, and responding with empathy could strengthen relationships and foster a sense of community, even in small, everyday interactions.
A simple Dadirri practice
Dadirri is a universal way of listening that has proven to deepen relationships, heal wounds and nurture mental well-being.
Using this technique for a few minutes in a busy day can help us feel calmer and more connected.
- Find a quiet spot in nature or at home.
- Sit comfortably, close your eyes if you wish, and focus on your breath.
- Listen deeply to the sounds around you, letting thoughts come and go without judgment.
- Reflect gently on your feelings and experiences, allowing insights to arise naturally.
- When with others, practice listening without interrupting or planning your response – just be present.
Do you need more Dadirri in your life?
Gill Stannard acknowledgea the Gadigal people of the Eora nation as the traditional custodians of the land she lives and work.
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