Listening: There's an old saying: "God gave 
us two ears and one mouth", meaning we should 
listen twice as much as we talk. Do you know 
how to listen?   Source unknown 

The mind goes a mile a minute as we try to 
listen to someone. There are those who finish 
the sentence before the speaker says it all. 
Still, others hear only the first few words 
and something else grabs their attention. 
Some have their thoughts wandering off to 
the far distance.

At times, the listener immediately identifies 
or relates the words to their own circumstance 
and interrupts the conversation. 

Many of us have done these unconsciously without
realizing this is not courteous to the speaker. 
It is easy to forget that listening is an important 
part of a conversation. No one benefits from 
too much interruption during a conversation. 

Listening is an art. It is a skill that can 
be developed. Being able to listen adds depth
and enthusiasm to a relationship.

It is a way to let someone reach out to us or 
give one a chance to vent. Who has not had 
the need to talk to someone and just ease to 
the tension building up within before it 
bursts out of control?

There are different ways of listening as there
are a variety of talkers and topics to talk about.
Good listening is passive- not interactive.

Interrupting

Nothing breaks up the flow of thought as badly
as being  interrupted. Some people have the 
knack of patiently waiting till the end of the 
topic. Whether or not they digest what is being 
said, or are just being polite, this is a 
commendable trait.

It takes practise but most of us can learn to 
be good listeners by not interrupting. 

Good listening skill allows a good flow of thought
from the one who is talking. A good listener
encourages good conversation, good exchange of
ideas and fosters enthusiasm. It builds trust.

When you listen to one who needs to vent- you 
provide comfort and a much needed moral support.

Boundaries
As with everything, there is a downside.

1. What about listening to a one-sided conversation-
I refer to these as the Me, My Syndrome. There
has to be a polite way of interrupting this kind
of talk.

2. Sounding Board
This is a negative aspect to listening.
When you become a sounding board too
often, this is a draining negative energy. 
Know when to pull out.

The deeper level of listening

Being a good listener nourishes the spirit. 
It helps to slow down an overactive mind.
It brings focus to the moment.  

Listen to your favorite music and really
listen quietly. Listen to the world around
you. Take the time to listen to the sounds
of nature. Try to listen to your inner voice, 
let it help you diminish the clutter in your 
mind and listen to your heart.

With a quiet mind, yes, you can listen to 
the sound of silence and peace.

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