As humans we require a lot of things – food, water shelter – ya’ know, the basics. These are the bare minimum requirements for survival. When I read these words from Mary Lou Casey, I realized that most of us do not get the basic requirements in terms of being listened to. Oh, people hear us, and they text us, they email us, and they acknowledge us, yet it really takes a lot of effort to truly listen. It is not an effort most people make. And if we are honest with ourselves, we are most people.
Listening requires us to turn off our thoughts, ideas, problems, and opinions, and simply be quiet. We have to work hard to not only hear what the other person is saying, we need to really work hard to understand…which requires listening. As the audience, we have to sit still, nod and acknowledge, ask clarifying questions, listen more, and allow the silence the person needs to bathe over them as they experience what it is like to really be listened to. Once they realize we are truly listening, THAT is when they get to the good stuff. The important stuff. The ground breaking, human existence, what my real problem is stuff. Because we have created a safe space for them to be vulnerable and share from their soul…because we listened.
And when you have had someone truly listen to you – and I hope you have had that magic in your life – you are validated and important as in very few other moments of your life. You know you are and cared for in a way that no other experience can provide. To be listened to can change your world.
I believe Mary Lou Casey is right…what people REALLY need is a good listening to. Why not go out today and provide that life changing experience for someone you care about?
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