In Others’ Words: Ears

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“Be a good listener. Your ears will never get you in trouble.” ~ Frank Tyger (1929-2011), nationally published editorial cartoonist & columnist

Don’t you relish a truth wrapped in just the right amount of laughter?

Listening is an art, really … but even more than that, listening is a gift. It’s such a beautiful way to consider someone else more important than yourself. Rather than making conversation all about yourself, you step back, silence yourself, and listen to the other person.

I know how I feel when I’ve been listened to … when I’ve been heard.

Valued.

Worthwhile.

Significant.

And I know the treasure of clamping a virtual hand over my mouth so that I can lean in and listen to someone else. I walk away knowing someone else better. A hope. A dream. A treasured memory. Even helping to bear another’s burden as they talk through tears.

Yeah, it’s nice to talk.

But it’s rich to listen.

And, as Frank Tyger says, it will keep me out of trouble.

 

In Your Words: What benefits of listening have you discovered? Any tricks for being a good listener?