Hearing, like all of our senses, is automated. Without consciously thinking about the fact that we are hearing, we never think or appreciate it. Those who have no hearing or restricted hearing, I imagine, would appreciate it a lot more and consciously look to avenues to fix it, improve it, or at least cherish it a lot more.

Hearing, I think, is one of the most underrated senses and skills in the world. For many, the ability to sit still and listen is minimal or non-existent. However, truly hearing is somewhat of a rare trait. Many people listen, but few people hear. It’s easy to have a conversation with someone and converse back and forth with complete fluency and to an extent, disregard for the conversation. Like most, I have many conversations, on a daily basis, small talk, work talk, nothing talk, just a range of conversations that have limited substance, but yet it just feels necessary to have them.

However, access to deep connection and profound conversation can only be found if you have the capacity to truly hear, truly listen and try to fully comprehend the meaning of the discussion at hand. With so much noise in the world, many people forget how to listen, but more importantly how to hear. As I grow older and the noise starts to dissipate, I learn to believe more in my values and what I stand for. I realize that the art of listening is even more and more important. Because on the other side of being able to hear, people need to be heard. Sometimes I’ll have conversations with people about somewhat meaningless topics to me; however, being engaged in the topic both allows me an opportunity to learn, grow, and give the person a chance to be heard, regardless of the topic.

We are constantly being bombarded with advertising, media and influencers with their limited perception of right and wrong. Constantly we are flooded with external noise that prevents us all from truly being present with one another and listening to the conversation right in front of us.

Being able to listen, and being able to truly hear, creates a platform for us all to learn deeper and more profound connection with others and the world around us. Listening in silence allows silent sounds to be heard, and all of these aspects can greatly contribute in the search for happiness.

“Most people don’t listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply” - Stephen R Covey

Thanks,

Dean