"God gave you two ears and one mouth" . . . . what does that tell you? I'm thinking that if more people really understood what it means to listen, it could change their life. It could certainly change their relationships. Most of us with siblings grew up simply trying to be heard. We talked over each other. We certainly talked louder. It's sad to say, but most of the time it was true. The squeaky wheel got the grease, right? So at what point did you learn to listen? More than likely you met someone who really listened to you, which made you take notice. You realized what it meant to be heard. Someone was paying attention!
Are you a listener that participates in the conversation or are you just waiting for the other person to stop talking so you can speak? First, you must quiet the chatter in your mind, and engage yourself. If you are constantly thinking about what you are about to say, you surely cannot hear what the other person is talking about. Pay attention to the words and feelings that are being expressed to you. It is then that you will begin to really hear what the other person is trying to convey. Hopefully, at this point you will begin to feel the connection.
I recently read an article that said, 'once the other person realizes that you actually heard what they said, they will most likely relax, share and trust you'. I love that because that's when true communication begins. That's when the real conversations take place. Learning how to truly listen will be the best gift you ever give to yourself and to those you love. Listening with your heart is truly invaluable.
"Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward. When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand."
I love what you have to say, and I love the way you say it! I hear you, sister.
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