One of the essential needs of all humans beings is to be heard above being corrected with ‘the right answer’. As subconsciously we equate being heard with being accepted possibly even loved. Yet how often do we actually listen to what someone is saying?
More often than not I find myself thinking about how to solve their problem or, coming up with reasons why I disagree with them or, worse still trying to come up with witty comment so that somehow I still get attention.
Let your mind revisit recent conversations and reflect upon your actions and responses.
When we resist these urges and truly, deeply listen to what is being said we achieve a deeper level of perception where we are able to understand what is being communicated. We enter a new level of connection with the person who is speaking and let them into our heart, the depth of who we are.
We have engaged with their ‘being’ and discovered more about them but in some way we’ve also learnt more about ourselves.
When we are willing to sacrifice ourselves for others, willing to let them into our hearts and get involved in their lives we will both be transformed.
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
James 1:19
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