Day 113

Day 113: Real Time
Day 9: 21 Day Complaint Free Journey


“Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward. When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand.” Unknown


When I train young children to mediate conflicts among their peers, we spend several sessions learning how to listen. What, you say? We need training in listening?

Yes, I’m afraid so. Many times we mimic listening in order to be socially acceptable, but all we’re really doing is waiting for the other person to STOP TALKING so we can talk. Admit it….it’s true.

Being heard is something we all yearn for. The knowledge that we are understood and accepted anyway is a powerful thing, isn’t it?

We need to listen to each other with our eyes, not merely our ears, with our hearts and not just our minds. The next time you are engaged in a conversation, look into the person’s eyes and be totally present for them. That might be all they need from you.

Maybe we’ll find less to criticize, too.

Day 9.