Imagine a world where we all take the time and make an effort to actively listen whenever we have conversations with people. What a difference active listening would make--versus passive listening. Active listening is "a way of listening and responding to another person that improves mutual understanding. It requires that the listener fully concentrate, understand, respond and then remember what is being said." In other words, it's "allowing the person who is speaking time to speak without interrupting them. In this way we can reflect on what the other person is saying, and respond accordingly (active listening). Interrupting or fading out of the conversation when the speaker is speaking is an example of passive listening." Passive listening is having an answer ready or beginning to formulate an answer based on what you are hearing, but not what is actually being communicated.
When you think about it, when was the last time you truly took time to listen to God, your significant other, children, siblings, family and/or friends? Do you remember whether you were actively or passively listening? What was the outcome? How did that work? It's important to be mindful of all our conversations... you never know who is actually listening or what the person you are speaking to is actually hearing and feeling based on your response after they have spoken with you. If the shoe was on the other foot, wouldn't you appreciate being truly listened too?
The Word of God says, "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry," (James 1:19). How many times are you easily angered because you were passively listening? How many incidences could have been avoided if you had taken the time and made an effort to actively listen? As you listen, you show how much you value the person and what is being said. Actually, when you are actively listening, you are not in a rush to move on to the next thing or get 'your way' in that instance. You are present!
Life is about living collaboratively and the art of listening makes that much easier. When you reflect on some of the conversations you had--even yesterday--are there people you need to reach out to and revisit discussions you had? If you do need to revisit some conversations, this time it would be with an attentive and active listening ear and heart. When you engage in a conversation, engage completely i.e. heart, mind, soul and spirit so that your conversations may be fruitful. Just by listening from the start, you may even avoid having to 'revisit' some discussions because you resolve things much better. I encourage you to listen more... active listening!
