Carol Moehrle
Listen to the wind, it talks. Listen to the silence, it speaks. Listen to the heart, it knows. —Native American Proverb
One of my pet peeves is when people talk too much. I know they aren't listening, because they interrupt my comments or responses before I even get my sentence completed.
I often wonder what our world would be like if more people really listened.
Consider the outcome of a conversation in which we know the other person was truly listening to every word. We feel valued and honored when our words and feelings matter.
At a recent family dinner, everyone was excited to share their day and the events that mattered to them. The adults were talking and sharing when one of the grandchildren tried to interrupt. She was quickly hushed, and the adults continued. I could sense the dismay in the granddaughter’s attitude and behavior. Even when she tried to speak, no one was paying attention. She got up from the table, went to the drawer, got out a piece of paper and pencil, and wrote Can I talk now? She handed me the paper. I read it and instantly fell silent. I praised her for not interrupting and got down to her level and said, "I'm listening."
Sometimes we have to make a special point of listening to those around us. It’s not always easy because we all want to be heard. What an example we set for adults and children when we are willing and able to truly listen. I believe that others around us will become thoughtful listeners if we show them by example.
There is a beauty in silence and in listening. Like this Native American proverb, listening to the world around us will give us insights and wisdom.
b-Resilient