Just listen!

When it comes to writing, everyone's got an opinion. And in my humble opinion, J.K. Rowling is a genius. So, for that matter, is her "alter-ego" Robert Galbraith.
While I realize that her (their?) genius is a matter of considerable debate in literary circles and the among general public, that is not the topic of this post. However, it is tangential to the point I'm about to make.
Bear with me just a little while longer, and you'll see why.
In the opening pages of The Silkworm, our hero, Cormoran Strike, meets with a journalist. During the course of their conversation, the journalist, Culpepper, asks Strike how he got someone "to talk."
"I listened," Strike says.
And that simple bit of dialogue -- that little snippet --is what brings me (albeit it a bit belatedly) to my point.
He listened.
Just stop and think about that for a second. Let it sink in.
Now ask yourself this: in the day-to-day craziness of 21st century life, when was the last time I listened to someone?
In this instant information age, when was the last time I had a personal conversation without being distracted or interrupted by an incoming text or phone call?
Am I really "plugged in" to the world? Or am I out of touch with life?
Which matters more?
In this age of rampant narcissism and instant gratification, when was the last time I listened to someone without interrupting to share my opinion?
At a time when making and spreading harsh judgments about others based on limited or inaccurate information is celebrated, when was the last time I listened without judging?
At a time when I'm faced with so many demands I can hardly hear myself think, when was the last time I stopped long enough to listen to a child's laughter? Or waves lapping on the shore? Or gentle rainfall on the roof? Or birds chirping in the morning? Or leaves rustling in the breeze?
Then take a deep breath. Exhale. Find a quiet place to listen to your inner voice... and follow it where ever it may lead.
Until next time, "That's life..."