‘Hearing is listening to what is said. Listening is hearing what isn’t said.’
– By Simon Sinek (1973-Present). He is a distinguished English-American author and motivational speaker specialising in business leadership. Among his notable works are ‘Start with Why’ (2009) and ‘The Infinite Game’ (2019).
The Art of Listening
Listening is an essential skill that is often disregarded in today’s fast-paced society. In a world where everyone is constantly in a hurry, striving to make their point, the act of listening is frequently neglected.
Nevertheless, truly listening to someone is not only a display of respect and empathy, but it is also crucial for effective communication and the establishment of strong relationships.
As per my spiritual mentor, Reverend Father Ramon Borja SDB, the art of listening can be likened to the art of ‘lessening’ – lessening one’s self to give more for the other, lessening one’s desire to be speak and be heard to give more to listen to what the other says and does not say.
It thus leads to lessening miscommunication, lessening misunderstandings, and lessening barriers between individuals in order to live a life of serenity.
Fundamentally, the art of listening involves actively receiving and comprehending verbal and nonverbal messages conveyed by another individual.
It encompasses not only hearing what someone is saying but also observing their tone of voice, body language, and emotions.
By fully engaging with the speaker and demonstrating genuine interest in their words, we can foster a deeper connection and understanding.
When we genuinely listen to someone, we can diminish miscommunication by ensuring that we are interpreting their message accurately.
Miscommunication arises when we are not fully attentive while listening, leading to misunderstandings and disputes.
By actively listening and seeking clarification through questions, we can avert miscommunication and ensure alignment between both parties.
Moreover, the art of listening enables us to reduce misunderstandings by displaying empathy and understanding towards the speaker or sharer.
Active listening allows us to empathize with the other person’s perspective and emotions, bridging the gap between differing viewpoints and promoting better understanding and compromise.
Furthermore, listening can help break down barriers between individuals by fostering trust and openness. By genuinely listening to others, we convey that we value their thoughts and opinions, which can strengthen relationships, enhance communication, and encourage collaboration.
In essence, the art of listening is about the art lessening– lessening barriers, lessening misunderstandings, and lessening conflicts by lessening our own egos.
It is a crucial skill that can lead to deep and intentional conversation that helps to build stronger relationships, better communication, and a more harmonious society.
A deep conversation goes beyond small talk and surface-level discussions. It delves into topics that are meaningful and thought-provoking, allowing for a genuine exchange of ideas and emotions.
Deep conversations can often lead to increased understanding, empathy, and connection between individuals.
They can touch on topics such as personal beliefs, values, and experiences, making them rich and fulfilling experiences for all parties involved.
Dear readers, moving on, to improve our listening skills, let us ponder and reflect on … how many times do we truly recall the deep conversations we have with the people around us?
How often do we find ourselves just going through the motions, nodding along without really listening or engaging with the speaker or sharer?
In situations or events where communication is becoming more and more superficial, deep conversations are becoming increasingly rare. However, it is truly in these deep conversations that we can find unity and understanding.
In today’s world, where division and conflict often dominate the headlines, deep conversations are crucial in maintaining unity and fostering mutual respect.
By learning the art of listening to each other with an open heart and mind, we can bridge the gaps that separate us and find common ground.
By fostering deep conversations, it allows us to see the world from someone else’s perspective, fostering empathy and understanding.
One of the key benefits of deep conversation is fostering understanding which you and I are yearning for.
When we take the time to truly listen to someone and engage in a meaningful conversation, we gain insight into their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
This understanding can lead to increased empathy and compassion, ultimately bringing us closer together as individuals and as a united society.
Deep conversations can develop unity. By engaging in open and honest dialogue with others, we can find common ground and build connections that transcend our differences.
Living in unity requires deep conversation through the art of intentional listening, allowing space for all voices to be heard and respected.
This process not only fosters understanding and empathy but also promotes a sense of unity and harmony within a community.
Indeed, deep conversations allow us to celebrate diversity while also recognizing our shared humanity. They create a sense of belonging and community that is essential for a harmonious society.
From what I have learned from Malcolm Forbes’ quote, “The art of conversation lies in intentional listening,” it emphasizes a core truth about meaningful interactions.
When viewed through the lens of “The Art of Intentional Listening,” it demonstrates how effective intentional listening can be to cultivate profound and enriching conversations.
In the Bible, intentional listening is emphasized as an important aspect of our relationship with God and with one another. In the book of James, it says, “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19).
This verse highlights the importance of listening before speaking, showing restraint in our words, and being open to truly hearing what others have to say.
By actively listening to others, we demonstrate respect, empathy, and love towards them, fostering deeper connections and understanding.
One of the powerful examples of intentional listening in the Bible can be found in the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-42).
In this encounter, Jesus takes the time to engage in a conversation with a woman who was considered an outcast in society.
Despite the cultural and social barriers between them, Jesus listens attentively to her, showing compassion, understanding, and acceptance.
Through their conversation, the Samaritan woman is deeply impacted by Jesus’s willingness to listen to her story, leading her to believe in Him as the Messiah.
This story serves as a strong reminder of the transformative power of intentional listening. When we take the time to truly listen to others, we not only show them respect and love, but we also create opportunities for growth, healing, and reconciliation.
By listening with an open heart and mind, we can build bridges between people, fostering understanding and unity in a divided world.
In summary, the art of intentional listening plays a crucial role in deepening conversations. By actively listening to others, we create a safe and supportive environment for them to express themselves. We show respect for their thoughts and feelings, and we validate their experiences.
This, in turn, encourages them to open up and share more deeply, leading to a more enriching dialogue.
As we reflect on the importance of human interaction through deep conversation, I humbly invite you to join me in pondering our own experiences …
How do we approach conversations with others? Are we truly listening, or are we simply waiting for our turn to speak?
How can we cultivate the art of listening in our own life to deepen our conversations and foster understanding and unity?
Ultimately, mastering “The Art of Intentional Listening” establishes the groundwork for conversations that are not only stimulating but also profoundly meaningful and enriching.
In conclusion, the art of listening is more than just a conversational skill; it is the cornerstone of forging deep, meaningful connections.
By truly hearing and understanding each other, we create a space where open and authentic dialogue can flourish.
As we continue to embrace “The Art of Listening as also the Art of Lessening”, we strengthen our bonds and enrich our interactions.
Next week, join me as we delve into “The Harmony of Familiar Voices” where we explore the comforting and profound impact of engaging with those we know and love.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
