Fridays are for Listening

Every Friday, I bike or hop on a bus and head to one of my favourite places -- 382 Main Street in Vancouver.  When I arrive, I unlock the door, put the kettle on, light some candles and put on some fine music. Before settling in for a few hours of listening, I go the front window and flip over the "Closed" sign to say "Open". For 382 Main Street is better known as "The Listening Post" and I'm here to listen to people, not music.

The Listening Post is an oasis of peace and quiet where everyone is welcome to come in and sit for a while, to listen to their inner voice, to meditate, or pray. If they'd like to talk with someone, there are volunteers available to listen with care and respect. We don't preach or counsel, we just try to meet people where they are and journey with them for a while.

We are located in the heart of Vancouver's inner city, the Downtown Eastside (DTES), where poverty, addiction, mental illness and homelessness are the norm. The Listening Post has served the people of the area for 8 years and is now part of the fabric of this community. The space is privately funded, the furnishings all donated and it's staffed entirely by volunteers. Most volunteers are affiliated with a particular religion, but we are not an overtly religious place and we don't push religion. But we are definitely a sacred place and you can feel it when you walk in the door.

It's a privilege to volunteer here. It's a special privilege to listen to someone's story, to share their pain and their joys. I have met many wonderful people and learned so much from them. They have taught me much about who I am as a person. The Listening Post and the people who come for a visit are a big part of my life now. And for this, I am very grateful.