Explore the power of deep listening and visual poetry through Dadirri and Auslan.
Listen
What is Dadirri? Dadirri is an Indigenous Australian word meaning deep, quiet, and mindful listening. It’s about connecting with nature, yourself, and others through stillness and attention.
Dadirri means deep listening or contemplation. We are quiet.
Dadirri can start with a story, a poem or a place. We give our attention. (Something in that story, poem or place is waiting for you!)
Dadirri doesn’t need lots of talking or questions. We watch, we listen.
Dadirri takes time. We wait.
Dadirri brings quiet awareness. We feel calm and connected. We act and speak from this place of calm connection.
Watch this short video from Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr to hear about Dadirri and what it means to listen deeply.
Reflect
- What sounds do you notice when you are still?
- How does your body feel when you are practicing deep listening?
- What do you do when you want to be quiet and connected?
- What does stillness look like around you?
Try closing your eyes and listening for 2 minutes. Notice what you hear and how it makes you feel.
Why not take it outside? Go for a walk or sit in the garden, listen first to your breath, then open to the world around you and beneath you.
Having trouble? Listen to the Ngarayamurah - Listening to Country guided meditation to help you connect to your body and what you feel.
Create
Express Dadirri in Your Own Way. Choose one or more of the following to show us what Dadirri feels like for you:
- Draw or paint: What does stillness or deep listening look like?
- Move or dance: How does your body express quiet and connection?
- Sing or hum: Create a soft sound or rhythm that feels like Dadirri.
- Write a poem: Use as few words as possible to capture the feeling of Dadirri.
Share
- Create a Listening Circle. Find a group (classmates, family, or friends) and take turns sharing your poem or creative work.
- Listen carefully and respectfully to each other.
- Notice how sharing stillness can bring people closer.
Deaf Poetry & Auslan
Watch
Deaf poetry uses Australian Sign Language (Auslan) to tell stories and express feelings through hand signs, facial expressions, and body movements. It’s a powerful, visual way of sharing poetry beyond words.
Watch Walter Kadiki’s Silent Verse to see Deaf poetry in action.
Create
Use the Auslan signs you have learned to create a short poem.
- You can combine signs to show feelings or ideas about stillness, waiting, or listening.
- Perhaps you would like to speak or write some of your poem and use Auslan for certain words.
- Practice performing your Auslan poem.
Share
- Record or perform your Auslan poem for family or friends - or even just yourself. You can even do this in a mirror.
- Notice how your body and face help tell the story.
Tips for Teachers & Families
- Encourage students to take their time with reflection and creativity.
- Foster a respectful space for sharing and listening.
- Adapt activities for different ages by simplifying or deepening questions and tasks.