The Greatest Tool You Have Is To Listen

One of my current practices in life is to truly listen. Whether I'm on the phone or with someone face to face, I  oftentimes find myself drifting to another place in my mind. I may be pondering a past memory or thinking about what I'll be doing later on, or asking myself if I even want to be talking to this person. Whatever the thoughts may be, I discovered that I'm not fully listening, therefore I am not present.

Then I think this: How would I feel if I were conversing with another but they weren't truly there? I may be sharing something exciting and extraordinary or perhaps it could be something really sad and despairing. As I look at the person of whom I am speaking, there is a glazed, faraway look in their eyes. I receive a "mmmmhmmm" and a few nods of the head but no genuine response. I feel disappointed and let down. Between the both of us, the moment is lost. A wasted opportunity to share something special, be it simple or grand. We part ways and carry on into the next moment. And in the next moment? Perhaps I miss that as well. Each time I am going about my day moving through the motions of life, if I'm not fully immersed in that moment...smelling the flowers, breathing in the air, relishing in the blue, blue sky, warming another soul with a simple regard, recognizing the person I am in the company of, listening...I miss out. Understandingly, as people, our minds revolve every conscious moment. Thoughts enter and escape, agendas and responsibilities swim in our heads pervading our day.

But imagine this: During the times of each day when someone is reaching out to you, when someone is sharing conversation with you, stop. Breathe. Listen. Put aside all other thoughts and divert your full attention to that person. Really listen. Receive that moment of sharing life with another.

So this is my practice. I recognize that I fail a lot with my intention to be fully present and to fully listen. But I realize now that each new moment is a new opportunity to get it right. And with practice, I evolve. The depth of my growth varies from day to day, but as the days roll by, my practice deepens. My intention to listen becomes inherent. I develop an intentional characteristic. I am content.

Namaste,
tammie lf