Will you?
I know you can, but will you? Will you find a way to quiet that noise? We all have that noise and it plays at different volumes. Someone speaks and that noise starts to roll and rumble. The mind asks questions while they speak and those questions clink and clank like the clock inside of an old watchtower, don’t they?
Could you?
Could we invite them to speak, invite them with questions, spark dialogue that is all about them? If we did, we’d no longer shackle ourselves to the desire to listen to respond versus listening to hear and learn. Could we curb that desire to be heard, which prevents the receiving of the best gift? Could we prepare and commit to welcome the gift that questions wrap for us?
Should you?
Should you be willing and able to open your ears through your heart and feel what they say when your questions are laid at their feet? No “should” required – as the word should is rooted in guilt and shame. This is a choice and it’s one worth the making.
Do you?
Do you already focus on observation? Good. For most of us, that superpower is one we’ve been burying for decades. A superpower that when unleashed, digs a foundation of truth and forms relationships comprised of depth and compassion and understanding. As we observe – do you see it? Do you see the information laced within their answers to our questions? Oh my, that noise they make wasn’t really what we expected. These answers they provide might not have been for us in the first place. Your questions give them an opportunity to share, to decompress, to calm themselves and most importantly, to be heard. This gift is precious, and your observation and listening gives a gift in return. The gift of gifts.
When will you?
It will feel difficult, at first, and I know there may be some doubt but of course you will. When you find a time and ask a question, and you have no interest in providing an answer or comment to your question, then you’re to listening and when you do - they’ll tell you (and show you) everything you’ve ever needed.
Did you?
Did you think that our noise is what creates wisdom? It’s not. Listening is wisdom’s precursor and it’s a beautiful gift for you and for those whose words are laid at your feet.
God bless all of you- and may He send peace to you during your times on this planet.
Much love- Trav
If you enjoy these posts, please subscribe to The Paperclip Thinking Blog and don’t be shy to leave a comment, because I love discussions & dialogue. If you want some good content – follow on Facebook and Instagram: @paperclipthinking