In this era where there are countless distractions, from phones to workload to personal struggles, finding someone who actually listens when we talk is a rare gem. I'm one of the many distracted person who only listens attentively when there is something to gain or it's someone I really value.
I've always seen the art of listening as a gift, a very special one because I've experienced being listened to and I know just how right and super it feels to be that heard. In our world today, even in the presence of God, many do not bother to actually listen to what is said to truly save them.
In relationships, husbands don't listen to understand what their wives want and vice versa. Parents don't listen to their children, some even think only the children are meant to listen to their parents. We keep getting it wrong simply because so many of us have failed to just listen.
If I should describe a good listener, which I'm really not, but I'm totally working on becoming one for my sake and for the sake of others who needs to be heard and appreciate themselves more... These are the attitude of a good listener!
A good listener don't just hear the words said but the emotions behind the words said. They want to know why you're saying those words instead of just focusing on the words you have said which most times could lead to a misunderstanding and message not passed well.
A good listener is a slow speaker, they don't just start talking to respond to what has been said. They want to make sure you've made your point clear, points they must have taken because they listened and when they speak, you feel more understood and exposed, they see through you.
A good listener thinks more about giving solutions to what is being said, especially if a problem was shared. Even as they listen to every word or problem explained, they are busy thinking of a solution that could work even if it's not a permanent one. They want to be useful to you.
You can imagine how differently life would be if we have more people like this, you being a good listener and the other person being a good listener. I truly admire the few I've been with, even my mum is one. The way they are almost always accurate with their response is so admirable.
I do have people who listen around me and I have the ones who don't, they are almost never there to even hear what you are saying. I understand better that the ones who listen do care to an extent and you find yourself allowing them to know what bothers you, giving no much thought.
There's so much going on in life but when we take a pause to just listen to one person at a time, show that we actually care and spread positivity, everything changes for you and the person you've listened to. I hope more people will work on being a listener as I try to be one myself.
Image used is AI generated.