Very often we think we are listening but our minds are wandering and worrying about what the rest of the day will bring. Multi-tasking keeps us from paying attention. It is rare to have a one-to-one conversation any more!
There are times when we are so reactive to someone’s words that we’re not really listening to what they are saying at all because we’re busy creating our response. We’re cheating the person speaking because we are not hearing what they have to say. We lose sight of the divinity of the other person when we pretend to listen in this way. We miss the opportunity to fully in the moment.
The true gift of listening is when we are fully present and receptive to what another person is saying. We may not fully agree with what they are saying, but we honor and listen to their story.
Words of wisdom from Winston Churchill, “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”