Hush! Listen!*

There are limits when we choose not to listen to what’s being said. We judge the person we are speaking to, believing ourselves to be more knowledgeable. As a result, their words fall upon deaf ears. It is important not to allow our ego and biases to influence the continuity of a conversation. Hush! Listen!

Our greatest teachers sometimes appear to us in a form that is not expected. Wondrous opportunities can come from a chance conversation with someone we have judged unfairly.

At other times, a person may offer an opinion or unsolicited advice we disagree with, and the conversation devolves into an argument. We dismiss what’s being said and demand to be heard. Once that happens, we are too busy defending or attacking to listen to what’s being said. Hush! Listen!

Disagreeing does not invalidate someone’s point or make it unworthy of our attention. The words might be confronting, but that does not make them untrue or undeserving of further exploration. Put aside preconceived notions and look at the situation from a fresh perspective. Be empathetic. You might find that you are both right, but coming at the heart of the issue from different angles. You might also discover a genuine problem that needs to be addressed. See the good in others. Trust that their intentions are pure. You don’t have to heed their advice or guidance, but they are worthy of being heard.

There will also be times when we find ourselves multitasking. Not only talking but doing other things at the same time. Hush! Listen! To listen properly, you need to put everything else aside and give your complete attention.

Finally, there are times when we make a conversation all about us and fail to give anyone else a chance to speak. Hush! Listen! Remember, a conversation involves two people. Give others the same opportunity to share as you would ask for yourself.

Sometimes it serves us better to hear than to be heard.

*Alternate title: STFU