Some careers take the skill of listening. I hate to admit it, but I know I sometimes babble on, once I realize it, I try to stop immediately and get to the point if I haven’t already. Everyone’s time is precious these days. Time has always been precious, I think we are all just making that realization more and more, especially now as I/we get older. A bartender might have to listen a lot longer than a healer, therapist, or hair dresser. As soon as Val is done doing my hair, I leave, so her time listening to me ends quite well. She knows I’m not coming back for another 3 months! Of course, my masseuse/healer, Heather is a great listener! She wants to hear what’s going on so she can help me overcome it easier. Same with a therapist, that 50 minute timer goes off and poof! You’re done. Not only do we stop talking, they get to stop listening! But, they move on to the next talker!
I feel good inside when I know someone is listening. They ask questions, provide eye contact, and acknowledge you when you are speaking. They are genuinely interested in what you have to say, you can tell by their actions, body language. It feels bad when someone snaps back, “Yes! I heard you!” I have a hard time listening sometimes. I am not trying to be disrespectful, I just have a brain that doesn’t stop thinking. Something is always popping into my head thinking, I gotta do that, I must remember to send out the payment, go on Amazon and buy the solar eclipse glasses, and so on. I don’t mean to interrupt people but sometimes my thoughts overtake me completely. I really need to learn to listen more, and better, especially to my family and in my classroom. Thank God I don’t work in customer service I don’t know how long I would last!
Are you an active listener? or pretty much passive? I love to hear people’s stories, predicaments, and general goings on… Let’s all try to be more actively engaged in listening, it will spread good news and positive feelings!
Have a great day listening!