We just want to be heard

byandrewjmat

705 followers

9 years ago

The Thought
I just had an awesome response from Loes just wanting to do everything she can you help me and it reminded me to write a little about the importance of listening.

Just take the time
Did you know, just taking the time to listen to someone and be present with them in a conversation can absolutely change their day for the better? Yes that's right. For a lot of us we just want to be heard, it seems we can never get our feelings heard sometimes wouldn't you say?

A prelude of myself
So how is the best way to listen? Great question and one I have pondered over a lot in the last few months. You see I was a terrible listener, only ever wanting to make sure I got my point across. This I now know was very must an ego thing. I was doing it to make me feel better about myself with no understanding at all of the other persons feelings. Very selfish don't you think? Me too.

So what now?
Well after a lot of reading, listening and self reflection, I have come to realise something very important. Life is not all about me, their are actually a lot wonderful, intelligent, loving people in this world and if you take the time to listen, you will also find out a lot about yourself in them. They will also have a much higher opinion of you as well. The absolute best thing is you will learn from them too, you can learn from everyone.

Rambling?
Well maybe, I have been know to do that. So here what I have learnt about listening.

1. Listen with the intention to learn
2. Be truly present with the other person in the conversation
3. Learn to ask questions
4. Let them do most the talking
5. If you don't understand their answer ask them to explain again until you get it.
6. Stay away from gossiping about other people unless it in a positive way.
7. Always thank them for their time and for listening to you.
8. When you get time later that day, sent them a text or an email thanking them for their time. They won't expect it.
9. Always make it fun
10. Make it a point to do this with as may conversations you can and see what happens.

You will find something great in yourself by trying these steps, just trust me. Have you ever noticed, the truly enlightened people you meet in life are the ones who listen way more than they talk and their answers are usually short.

Keep present, Love life and stay in your light.
Andrew M.
Namaste