The forgotten art of listening

Yesterday, I wrote about clarity.

But clarity requires love.

Wait… love? 🤔

Reality check:

Someone is talking to you, and you’re listening. Or are you?

✔ Are you already preparing your response?

✔ Are you waiting for a pause to jump in?

✔ Have you already formed your opinion halfway through?

✔ Or worse, do you sometimes finish their sentences for them?

Ouch. There it is.

Unfortunately, you’re not really listening.

Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Most people are guilty of this.

Because listening is NOT:

❌ Waiting for your turn to speak.

❌ An opportunity to share your opinion.

❌ Waiting for your moment in the spotlight.

Listening IS:

✅ Clearing your mind and focusing entirely on the other person.

That’s it.

“But what if there’s silence, or the speaker is searching for the right words?”

Wait.

Yes, just wait.They’ll finish their thought in their own time.

This takes practice and concentration. In a society that values extroversion and constant chatter, perhaps we’ve forgotten how to truly listen.

Listening isn’t about you.

Active listening requires something deeper: LOVE. 💜

💙 Listen: Fully engage with what they’re saying.

💚 Observe: Pay attention to their verbal and non-verbal cues.

💛 Validate: Confirm your understanding, reflect on their thoughts, and use “I” statements.

🧡 Encourage: Support their flow—ask open-ended questions and say, “Tell me more.”

I truly believe the world would be a better place if we all practiced this kind of listening.

To hear someone out, ask thoughtful questions, and genuinely seek to understand.

➡ Even if, in the end, you don’t agree with them. ⬅

The forgotten art of listening...

Try it for yourself.