The Art of Listening – The Language of Peace
“When you are listening to somebody, completely, attentively, then you are listening not only to the words, but also to the feeling of what is being conveyed, to the whole of it, not part of it.”
Krishnamurti
I was interviewed for b5media not too long ago, and was asked the question, “If you could change the world in one significant way, what would it be?”
I would have people listen to each other. We all want the same things. Security, safety, good ways to raise our kids, love people all want those things but they are so unattainable because no one listens to each other anymore. Ever caught yourself planning what you are going to say next when you are talking to someone? We all do. We need to not do that and really listen to what another person says and respond to what they said, not what we think they said.
Adelle Tilton
Apparently I am not the only one interested in listening. Did you know there is an International Listening Association? I love this site. They call listening the, “Language of Peace,” and say they are, “…the professional organization whose members are dedicated to learning more about the impact that listening has on all human activity. The International Listening Association promotes the study, development, and teaching of listening and the practice of effective listening skills and techniques.” They even have a way of giving the gift of listening.
We find efforts for peace and understanding in the most unexpected places, don’t we?
I know I need to improve my listening skills because I catch myself interrupting people from time to time. I don’t mean to, but it just happens. So I am making a concious effort right now to listen and listen completely. If you find yourself interrupting people or realizing you are working on your comeback, make that pact with me – let’s listen!
“I tell you everything that is really nothing, and nothing of what is everything, do not be fooled by what I am saying. Please listen carefully and try to hear what I am not saying.”
Charles C. Finn
“The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them.”
Ralph Nichols“This is a time to give the gift of listening. There are an unknowable but very large number of folks who could really be helped with our listening to them. I know your hearts are all very warm and giving. Please, take time to listen to those around you.”
Richard D. Halley
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