I often use an exercise using evocative language to help increase the awareness of our senses. As in the topic of our blog today: What is the difference between hearing versus listening?

Listening vs. hearing is like comparing the Pacific Ocean to Lake Texoma. You can’t.

Listening is choosing to be present. Whether we are in nature and we allow its sounds to embrace us; or by ourselves, listening to our inner voice until we are able to quiet our mind; and of course, when we listen to others. In each of these instances, what makes the leap from hearing to listening, is one very important thing: caring.

Caring enough about what is being said, about what is being sung, at the wind through the trees, and the playful chime of a trickling brook. Caring about what we are listening to, allows us to connect with our environment and with others, while hopefully and very importantly, making an inner connection with ourselves. Listening takes effort on our part to pay attention to what is taking place at that particular moment. It is choosing to be present and respectful. Listening is not random; it is a choice.

By listening we understand better. We become wiser because we increase our learning capacity. Listening allows our brain to make deeper connections providing us with an augmented ability for decision making.

Above all, being a good listener is one, if not the most sought-after quality, in any relationship.