On my morning run this morning I ran into Margret, one of my neighbors, and I stopped to talk with her. There was something bothering Margret and I stopped to really listen.
As Margret talked, more and more frustration bubbled up. I listened intently. My mind was still. The world stopped at that moment, and Margret filled it.
Margret spoke passionately of what had happened. I could feel it all. It was a rich experience to have someone else’s world fill mine. I felt honored to receive it.
The tension gradually released from Margret’s face as she spoke. Her eyes searched mine and found understanding.
She said it all, and then looked quite different. She looked complete.
I let Margret know I could really understand how she was feeling. Margret saw in my eyes that it was true.
There was an instant smile on Margret’s face. A BIG one. And it stayed.
Then, after a brief moment of silence, with both of us smiling, Margret said, “Thank you so much! I feel lighter.”
The burst of good feeling between us was extraordinary. We both were filled with an inexplicable joy.
Isn’t it amazing that being understood can be so powerfully healing? That it can bring so much happiness? To both, not just one.
People think it takes a lot of effort to get along with others. Such brainwashing. It’s the simple things that create a powerful difference. It’s the light touch. Never the heavy touch. It’s the being there. It’s being willing to truly receive another’s communication.
I have a dear friend, Diane, who is a beautiful artist that I love to listen to. After one of our many extraordinary conversations Diane emailed me this very profound observation:
“I really think that it is the listener who draws out the communication. I communicate clearly and fluently when I am speaking to you or to many of my dear friends who are excellent listeners. I can be dumb as a stump with a disinterested audience. I introvert at the first sign of boredom. Painful for all concerned.
“It is the listener who draws out a great thought.”
Listening is a joy. Don’t let the hustle and bustle of a world gone mad persuade you otherwise. Allow yourself the luxury of true communication the world will try its hardest to deny you.
Be the cause!
PS If you need to be reminded of how to really listen, you will love our Causative Communication course. You will rediscover the true powers to communicate you have inside you. Along with that, you’ll re-experience the beauty of true communication and you’ll be able to create it in every conversation you have in your life, at home, at work, at Starbucks and with the unexpected, spontaneous conversations that spring up when you run into a neighbor. It’s life changing. It’s life fulfilling.