LOST ART OF LISTENING

Imagine if the world could find understanding within all differences and conflicts. I sometimes wonder, are any of us truly hearing the other anymore?

I see the shift from years ago. Back in the day, what you saw in people — whether out in public, watching the news, political debates, or simply people in general on old television shows — there seemed to be more respect. Respect for another person’s opinion. I do not remember people becoming offended over which political side someone chose. People could disagree, and still carry themselves with dignity toward one another.

Back to understanding one another — if we could only return to having conversations again. And if you do not understand what someone is saying, try harder to listen instead of preparing your answer too quickly. We are meant to pause and hear one another speak. And by refraining from answering so fast, sometimes you begin to understand better.

Maybe if that way of listening could spread, our differences could begin serving a higher good rather than dividing us further. And perhaps even one small step back toward understanding one another could begin changing the world.