Let me just say there is a major difference between between listening and hearing! Listening means that you actually hear and understand what the other had said! While hearing means you are actually using one of the five senses! You might not get a full understanding
Hearing is simply the act of perceiving sound by the ear. If you are not hearing-impaired, hearing simply happens. Listening, however, is something you consciously choose to do. Listening requires concentration so that your brain processes meaning from words and sentences.
Have you ever experienced complete silence? It isn't easy to come by. I recall it only a few times, mostly when sitting in a sound-proof meditation cell, and once in a very dark forest where there were no bird calls or insect sounds.
We are generally hearing all the time, but ignoring. For example, you might be walking down a city street. There are the sounds of trains, buses, cars, air-conditioners, people talking. Perhaps a Jumbo jet letting down a few miles away - even a helicopter hovering over the buildings a few blocks away. You HEAR then all, but you're not listening. Then someone calls you name.
In an instant your ARE listening. Is that someone calling me?
Do you understand the difference now?
It really comes down to who it is and what your goal is for your connection. Not (everyone) deserves your "undivided attention.
Whenever it is obvious you haven't listened to someone they're naturally going to assume you didn't deem them "important enough" to give them your undivided attention. We listen when we care.
Active listening is being engaging, asking follow up questions for clarification, understanding their point of view even if you disagree with it. Listening acknowledges you understood what was said!
Note: Communication should not be confused with {action}.
Just because someone doesn't give you what you want doesn't mean there was a "communication problem" or they didn't listen/understand.
Listening is not an "ask and it shall be given" proposition.
The slight trick in the question is that, by asking you what you were hearing, I prompted your brain to take control of the sensory experience and made you listen rather than just hear. That, in effect, is what happens when an event jumps out of the background enough to be perceived consciously rather than just being part of your auditory surroundings. The difference between the sense of hearing and the skill of listening is attention.
http://www.rationaltechnologies.com/
by Patricia Scott 7 years ago
Is it important to you to listen to the opinion of others, even when you disagree?Often we have discussions with others on 'hot topics', on which there may be much disagreement. Is it possible for you to respectfully listen and allow that person to share their viewpoint?
by LJ Scott 12 years ago
Do you talk to God, and if so... how do you know when He's listening?
by deanjc1970 14 years ago
Please give me as much feedback as possible thankyou
by Renee' D. Campbell 12 years ago
Why do we focus more on hearing and not listening?In general, we hear what people say, but we do not really listen. We hear certain cues or key words that hit a part of our brain, and we find ways to turn the conversation into an "All About Me" topic.
by Howard Young 14 years ago
Does God listen to our petitions or do we need a "hearing-aid" to hear his answer?
by ershruti304 7 years ago
What is more important: Listening to heart or mind?At most of the decision making instances our heart and mind are not in rhythm. Under such situations what is more important? Listening to heart or to mind.
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