Thought for the Week
The most valuable gifts aren’t the ones that cost money, but the ones that cost us a piece of ourselves. For me, listening to others is such a gift because it doesn’t come naturally. What does come naturally is listening to my own thoughts and planning what important, insightful things I’ll say next. Oh, sure, I hear the other person, but I listen to me. So, listening to others, truly listening, is a sacrifice; it’s giving away something I instinctively, jealously guard — my attention. Yet here’s the paradox: when I do give it away, I find I have more, not less, to give. It’s almost embarrassing, like discovering that the best way to cheat at cards is to be honest!
“Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable.” ~David W. Augsburger
“The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to understand. We listen to reply.” ~Roy T. Bennett
“The word ‘listen’ contains the same letters as the word ‘silent’.” ~Alfred Brendel
“If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can’t survive.” ~Brené Brown
“The most critical part of listening is asking what is at stake for the other person. I try to understand what matters to them, not what I think matters.” ~Valarie Kaur
“Our entire theological tradition…is defined as the willingness to enter into the chaos of others.” ~Father James F. Keenan, S.J
“When we listen, we hear someone into existence.”
~Laurie Buchanan
Amen, Mitch. These quotes and wisdom hit the heart and soul. Listening is a beautiful and priceless gift!
It is ineed, dear friend.
Ohhhh – the Laurie Buchanan quote. Yes! ❤️
I know, right? That’s why I closed with it, Vicki!
Keep all the terrific inspiration coming, Mitch! 🥰
Wisdom
As an adult with ADHD I had to learn how to listen effectively and it was hard! I always wanted to finish someone’s sentences even before I could reply. Listening is an art and a gift.
I hear you, Sally (or do you go by Sally May).
Just Sally. Thanks for asking 😊
Enjoyed this post very much. Listening is so important. As a life coach, active listening is key. Thank you for sharing.
My privilege, San.
We have two ears for a reason
I love this. And to think that God hears us when we cry out to Him! He is the ultimate example of One who listens.
Once again we are thinking along the same line today in our posts. 👍
God is indeed the ultimate listener, Debi!
There’s power in listening
Beautiful 🤩
Thank you.
Mitch, this is a keeper. I’m printing this out for myself. Thank you!
My pleasure, Anonymous.
Do you mind if I share this on Facebook. This is a gem. Of course, your blog address and credit will be there as well.Blessings,J
Joseph Yakovetic 4480 Powderhorn Place Drive Clermont, Florida 34711
mobile: 909.241.6088
SDG Soli Deo Gloria “To God Alone the Glory”
Of course, Joe. I’m honored.
Thank you!Done!J
Joseph Yakovetic 4480 Powderhorn Place Drive Clermont, Florida 34711
mobile: 909.241.6088
SDG Soli Deo Gloria “To God Alone the Glory”
Listening to others is captivating. Listening to oneself is not-you already know your own thoughts. Great quotes, Mitch. Thank you. 🙂
My pleasure, Nancy.
“The word ‘listen’ contains the same letters as the word ‘silent’.” ~Alfred Brendel
This quote absolutely blew me away. Thank you!
My pleasure, Sandy!
I love that Valarie Kaur quote, giving us a strong reason for listening to understand. Several of these are going in my quote collection. Thank you, Mitch!
My privilege, dear friend.
I think it really says something that my favorite quote from all of this is your own first sentence, Mitch! I’m so glad that even with working on your listening you do still speak!
Thank you so much, my friend.
great quote
Thank you for the message and quotes – the Brendel one is a great one to remember. 🙏🏻
Indeed, Michele.
I especially love the quote by Roy T. Bennett; the Ausburger one is a close second.
All great quotes, but the last was my favorite.
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Wonderful quotes on listening! Sadly I do sometimes “listen to reply.” I am going to work on being “silent” and “listen.”
You picked the right quote as the headline. It’s so beautifully articulated.
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