The Art of Listening - Hearing Beyond Words

 In a world where voices constantly compete for attention, the ability to truly LISTEN is becoming a lost art. We often equate silence with listening, but in reality, listening goes much deeper - it is an act of empathy, presence, and open - heartedness

I always took pride in calling myself a good communicator. I could speak well, articulate my thought well, and hold wonderful conversations. But it wan’t until I faced a personal breakdown in a close relationship that I realised: I hadn’t truly listened. Not even the other people, I was not even listening to my own self.

Listening is not just waiting for our turn to talk. It is tuning into the pauses, the tone, the body language. It is being curious enough to the surroundings and environment and not being judgemental. When I started practicing mindful listening - I was surprised that there are layers in people’s stories that I had missed.. I discovered and understood the pain that was masked by smiles, tears that were maksing the saddness, and fears that lay beneath anger. 

It is not that easy to listen and be a good listener. You need to first quite down yourself, your heart, your mind- to resist the urge to advice, fix, respond and at times defend. But when these are set aside, and when everything is listened with intention, it transforrms not into conversations, but also into great relationships. Believe me listening builds trust, deepens understanding, and creates emotional safety.

Now when I sit with my loved ones or friends or even  acquaintances with open mind and heart and just listen to them without offering any solution or advice, I feel a lot more happier. I have understood that all they need is - to feel heard, seen and accepted. 

Ask Yourself: 
When was the last time someone truly listened to you without interruption or judgement? How did that make you feel? 

When was the last time you listened to someone - just listened and what was the reaction from them after they finished their conversation?

Here is a Journal Prompt:
Think of a recent conversation - Did you listen deeply? Where you preparing yourself to respond? Where you thinking of a solution to be given? Where you thinking of giving them an advice? 

How would the moment have changed if you had paused and listened fully?

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