When was the last time you felt really heard? Have you experienced a time when someone actually leaned into the conversation with their full attention, saw into your heart and understood your fears and frustrations?
I hope you have, because it feels wonderful.
All too often in today’s busy, noisy society we get only half of someone’s attention. We’re competing with the TV, the music, the newspaper, or whatever app or text message has our “listener’s” rapt attention on their cell phone. There are times when it can actually feel physically exhausting just trying to get and hold someone’s attention long enough to say what we need to say. Unsuccessful attempts can leave us feeling painfully alone and devalued.
“Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable.” — David Augsburger
If you’re feeling lonely or unlovable today, it may be, in part, because you don’t have good listeners in your life. We need to consciously surround ourselves with friends, family and accountability partners who know how to give us the very special gift of being heard. In turn, we have an obligation to help other people feel loved and valued by learning how to listen well, ourselves. It is one of the most phenomenal blessings we can give someone.
What blessings have you received from truly hearing or being heard? Please share with us in the comments section below.
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