12 July 2010
Listening to others when they are speaking is a great way to learn. I was distributing books Thursday, 8 July, and met an author from New Glasgow. The working-title of his new book is Are you listening, or waiting to talk? In his youth, his father had correctively asked him this question. He meant it to control his son’s urge to speak. His tendency was that as soon as he got a chance, he would say something and interrupt his father. It is a common tendency that causes us to sometimes miss the opportunity to listen and benefit by hearing the experience of others.
Another way to gain experience is by seeing first-hand. The reason why I am exhausted by this method is that it doesn’t allow one to be removed from the experience and be objective about what is happening. Secondly, we don’t see the full picture. For instance, I distributed a vegetarian cookbook to a biker who said he was a health-freak. Our stay in New Glasgow and Pictou saw us trying to distribute books to people who might appear unlikely to take books. But, by putting ourselves in a position to hear from them, we were able to learn that they were favorable and willing to take books.
The process of listening to others brings out something familiar and relatable: their humanity. When the guards are down inside the mind, it is amazing that the experience of others can shape the way we experience. And, if we make a point to listen, others begin to respect what we have to say. In this way, perhaps we can change how others choose to experience life.
The challenge is learning to listen. It requires the desire.
Group book scores
35 books (8 July, New Glasgow)
77 books (9 July, Pictou)
25 books (10 July, Pictou County)
Jacob
Entries (RSS)
Great post!
I suffer from the “preparing an answer, instead of listening” problem.
Now that I am more aware of it, I can catch myself drifting away from the person words and try to get back on point.
They say great listeners are the best conversationalists.
Nice job on the books!