On Listening

Everybody has something to say. No one wants to listen.

Making a statement with our clothes, hair colors, custom mugs, and bumper stickers. Drawing murals, handing out flyers, and preaching at every intersection. What is it that we want from each other? We have various different platforms to voice our opinions on, so why are we all bursting with words, feelings, and thoughts?

Maybe, the answer to our struggle is not to raise our voices even louder, but rather to take a step back and listen.

Being heard and understood is one of our basic needs as humans. Yet in a transactional world, where everyone wants something from you, being head is a rare experience. Think about a time when you felt heard. What were you talking about? Who was the listener? What did it mean to you and that relationship? And most important, how did you feel after the conversation?

In contrary to common belief, we don’t need to talk louder to attract people. Listening is the fastest way to someone’s world. Listening not only makes the other person feel valued, but also elevates your status in that relationship. It is through listening that we can build trust and make each other feel safe. Listening is the first step towards peace.