The subtle art of listening in a world of screamers

Everywhere you look today someone is talking, either they are trying to make a point, holding up a conversation or just saying something whether it makes any sense or not. People have gotten so accustomed to the noise that we are slowly forgetting what real silence sounds like. Everybody always has something to say, an opinion to offer or information to transmit that the art of just taking a step back to genuinely listen. Not just with the mere ears but with a mindset ready to comprehend every word that resides underneath the voice. Listening is not just a function that comes with having two ear drums, it is a skill given to all but properly utilized by a few giving every voice a chance to be heard.

Listening is an innate ability that everyone is supposed to possess yet it is soo difficult to comprehend that a lot of people misinterpret it for hearing. A lot of relationships between people have have been left in a devastating state because one party chooses to hear when they are supposed to listen and this does not only revolve around romantic interactions. Listening does not only strengthen bonds, it also creates an avenue where trust thrives. When you truly listen to what someone has to say, they become comfortable around you and feel safe to open up their hearts towards you. However when you just hear what they have to say without paying attention to their words, hoping to respond aggressively or without ensuring the necessary connection for the conversation to thrive, they completely close themselves up because they have learnt that the audience does not care about what they have to say.

Luckily for me, I am blessed with people who both listen and care about what I have to say ready to give advice when the need arises. Nothing beats having older siblings who are far more advanced in life's journey and are direct role models in every which way, a fortune I will forever remain grateful for. Whenever the going gets tough or I just need someone who truly understands me to talk to, you best believe there are three figures who are never too busy to lend a listening ear that I can call regardless of the time or how urgent it is. I am not short on friends as who actually make me feel like I matter and the best part of it all is I keep meeting people who share similar interests so we are never low on things to share.

When I first came to Igbokoda, I was struggling to really bond with the guys because I felt they wouldn't really understand. It didn't take look for my fears to fizzle out as my nest door neighbor heard me watching an anime series from his room and so he rushed to mine just to confirm that his ears were not playing tricks on him. Turns out we both had a lot in common in Korea ways than we can imagine and from that moment till date anytime we talk I feel like I am talking to the part of my being because he gets me so well and just has the right thing to say. This is indeed a blessing I never want to take for granted.

Some people might think this is irrelevant but in a world where everyone has something to say and wishes to be be heard, one of the greatest gifts you can ever give is a listening ear. Their words might sound dumb, illogical and crazy but giving attention to them not only makes them experience a sense of belonging, it also opens the mind and helps understand the world in a more deeper perspective.
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