The Challenge to Listen

How many of you have someone who truly listens to what you are saying? Someone who will not pass judgment on choices or decisions you make.

It is my belief that listening is one of the most important roles one will play in life. It's a compassionate role - one that does not come naturally to everyone. It is essential we all remember the importance of this position. Listening helps keep all of us healthy and productive members of society.

When someone comes to talk to you they may or may not be seeking your advice, but they are there for you to listen to them. They don't want to be told how they should feel or how they should respond. They just need you to listen.

These days it seems we all have busy lives. We often feel we don't "have time" to listen to the small talk. Remember, what we may consider small talk, may be very important to the person speaking to you. They may be in need of someone to acknowledge what they are saying. By listening, you communicate acceptance to the person speaking.

Several years ago a mentor of mine gave me a poem by Leo Buscaglia called "SOMETHING ABOUT LISTENING." I keep this sonnet close to me and I try to remember to read it on occasion in order to help me be a better listener to those I come across throughout my life. Whether it is my spouse, one of my children, an associate or a consumer, they all need to be heard and I try to listen.

The next time someone walks up to you and you are too busy or are in a hurry, I challenge you to take a moment to really listen to what that person has to say.

Peace,

Cheryl Plank
Director, Services for People with Disabilities

SOMETHING ABOUT LISTENING
Author: Leo Buscaglia

When I ask you to listen to me and you start giving advice,
You have not done what I asked.

When I ask you to listen to me and you begin to tell me why
I shouldn't feel that way,
you are trampling on my feelings.

When I ask you to listen to me and you feel you have to do
something to solve my problems,
you have failed me, strange as that may seem.

Perhaps that's why prayer works for some people.
Because God is mute and He doesn't offer advice or try to fix things.

He just listens and trusts you to work things out for yourself.
So please, just listen and hear me.
And if you want to talk, wait a few minutes for your turn and I promise
I'll listen to you.