Are you a good listener?

Do you actively listen or are you thinking of what to say next?

Take some time and think about how often you listen to others in conversations versus how often you are trying to prepare yourself for what you will say in response.

After having a touching experience with an elderly man earlier in the day, I found this quote by Roy T. Bennett. I think so many of us forget to take the time to engage our listening skills in our day-to-day conversations.

Most of us tend to practice a passive listening where, although we are listening, we are thinking about what to say when it is our turn to speak instead of truly focusing our attention on what the other person is saying first.

It was in the grocery store where I met my new friend, Joe. Joe is an eighty six year old, retired high school teacher/former weightlifter. I was in the supplement aisle grabbing my protein powder and he was there contemplating which brand to try out.

We began talking about different supplements for a few minutes and then something happened…

He started sharing some health struggles both he and his wife were experiencing. In that moment, our conversation shifted from protein supplements to the inner turmoil swirling around inside Joe.

I could have easily said I had to get going and move on but I did the best thing I could do right then and that was to simply listen.

I provided a listening ear for Joe and gave him the space to let out some of his inner pain. As he shared some of what he was feeling inside, he began to tear up and I embraced him with a hug.

Joe didn’t need me to cheer him up, to fix the situation, or even to step in and save the day. All he really wanted was someone to listen and empathize with what he was going through.

After twenty minutes, a handful of tears, and two hugs later, Joe and I parted ways. I think I can speak for both Joe and I when I say we both left our meeting with a feeling of appreciation and gratitude.

He was so thankful of me for taking the time and patience to provide the support he was desperately craving for and I felt a great sense of fulfillment being able to help him in that way.

Therefore, I ask you again… How often do you listen to other people in your conversations?

When we choose to listen as opposed to preparing a response, we can develop deeper, more meaningful connections.

Now it’s your turn.

How does this quote inspire you?

Tell me about an experience where you were so focused on what to say next that you didn’t pay attention to what the other person was talking about.

Also, tell me about a time where you did practice listening more intently and how that felt in comparison.

Contact me or share your thoughts below in the Comments section.

Let’s get the discussion going.

Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Together we can become stronger individuals.

Educate. Engage. Evolve.