The lost art of listening

Abstract

Introduction Listening, or rather, not listening to each other separates us from family, friends, co-workers. We have not learned to listen and truly hear with empathy. We listen to prepare our responses, whether to tell our own story or to offer advice. We need to talk to others to clarify our own thoughts. Most of us are preoccupied with the rush of our own lives and give little thought to the needs of others to be heard. We listen as though we are expected to respond. When we want to be there for someone, we listen for where we can help. When we are spoken to heatedly, we become defensive and either talk back heatedly or withdraw. Our lives become empty and we do not always understand why. We distract ourselves with entertainment or busyness that keeps us from talking to each other. It takes time and effort to listen. We do not know how to listen objectively. We react. Learning to listen takes time. There may even be times when we are not appreciated for listening until we develop more skill. Listening is an art that gives us great fulfillment when we learn to give and to receive.