Ikigai Thought for Today: Listening
The subtle art of listening to others.
Audio narration by David Marlow
The most challenging aspect of effectively listening is overcoming the all too human tendency to jump to conclusions about what we hear based on what we already know.
We have a wealth of knowledge, and it is easy to believe we know more than we do. It's always tempting to label what we hear before we completely understand them.
Rather than being in the present conversation, we 'hear' what is in our memories and the events behind us.
To listen effectively, one must be patient, curious, and withhold judgment, careful not to rush to decide what one hears.
One of the most profound gifts you can give another human being is genuinely listening to them.
You hear what matters to them, their struggles, and what they value. Listening at this level opens doors to encouragement as well.
If you want to encourage someone, start with listening.
While this applies to listening to others, it also applies to hearing in our own lives.
As Howard Thurman said, "There is something in every one of you that waits and listens for the sound of the genuine in yourself. It is the only true guide you will ever have. And if you cannot hear it, you will all of your life spend your days on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls."
One of the most profound gifts you can give another human being is genuinely listening to them.
That includes ourselves, our nature, our essence, and our Ikigai.
🌀 Reflection:
🌱 What would it mean to listen with patience and curiosity while withholding judgment?
🌿 For others?
🍃 For yourself?
