The Beauty of Truly Listening

Glee greetings ,

I hope this musing finds you well and in good spirits. Today, I want to talk about something truly special: the art of genuine listening. As the saying goes,

"One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say."

We live in a world that can sometimes feel rushed and noisy. How can you feel seen, heard, and noticed? It's by having someone listen to you. Right?

There is incredible power in simply sitting down and giving someone your full attention. It's an act of profound respect, one that can make a world of difference in our relationships and how we connect with one another.

When you truly listen, you're saying, "You matter, darling, your words matter, and I'm here for you." It's an acknowledgment of the other person's worth, and it's the foundation of respect.

But there's more to it than that. When you listen, you open the door to a world of wisdom. Every person you meet has a unique story, a different perspective, and a wealth of knowledge. By listening, you have the chance to learn from this beautiful wealth of diverse experiences.

So, how can you become better listeners in your day-to-day life?

1. Be present: When someone is talking to you, be fully present in the moment. Put away distractions and focus on the person and their words. This is the sweetest intimacy, I tell you.

2. Show empathy: Try to understand not just the words but also the feelings and intentions behind them. Put yourself in their shoes. Instead of dismissing their fears, acknowledge them and be a source of encouragement and succour.

3. Ask questions: Some want to let out but lack the words or willpower. Asking questions opens them up. Encourage the conversation to flow by asking open-ended questions. This shows your genuine interest in what they have to say.

4. Don't interrupt: It's rude. Allow the speaker to finish their thoughts before responding. There's ample time for you to respond. Just listen first. Get them heard. Interrupting can disrupt the flow of their communication.

5. Be patient: Not every conversation will be easy or comfortable, but by patiently listening, we can promote understanding and resolve conflicts without losing our peace of mind.

In a world where respect and understanding are scarce, make a conscious effort to truly listen to loved ones, . By doing so, you can create stronger connections, build bridges of empathy, foster intimacy, boost one's self esteem, and contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate community.

With ❤️,

Jaachị "listens" Anyatọnwụ

PS: My poetry chapbook, 30 is available on Amazon. Click here to get a copy.