So when you are listening to somebody, completely, attentively, then you are listening not only to the words, but also to the feeling of what is being conveyed, to the whole of it, not part of it.
Jiddu Krishnamurti
Have you ever felt like every time you opened the bible the Lord was speaking right to you about the SAME thing over and over again. Or when you go to church and you just know that the pastor must have a nanny cam hidden somewhere in your house because he is staring right at you every Sunday week after week after week (get my point…) this has been happening to me but in ten fold.
Do not be quick with your mouth…let your words be few…the speech of a fool there are many words…Do not let your mouth lead you into sin…a time to be silent and a time to speak…
I have not stopped talking. I know that this is something that I struggle with, who am I kidding I need to carry a roll of duck tape around and place it over my mouth so others can get a word in edge wise. Even knowing that this is a problem of mine I am still a jabber jaw. So what am I going to do to fix this? How am I going to really listen to those around me, completely? With my full attentiveness. How can I become with purpose a good listener? Someone just told me recently to help me remember not to talk to bite my tongue while others are speaking. I have been trying this I think it maybe helping a tiny bit… I think as with everything else in my life the biggest thing is going to be SELFCONTROL. I want the people around me to feel loved I think that part of showing someone that you love them is listening to them.
Something else, I am learning so much right now…When talking and are having a conversation with someone, it is okay to let them share. You don’t have to “connect” with them. What I mean by that is, it is “their story”. They chose you to share it with. That makes you important to them. They already feel connected with you. If for some reason you have a similar circumstance maybe you can share “your story” with them another day. That way in that moment you are really giving your full self with all your attentiveness to your friend. I can only say this because as most of you know I have always had “story” for all of yours… and I am sorry… I am really going to work on listening to all of “your stories” I love you…
~Rach~