Do you listen?

I wonder, out of 100%, how much do we listen? Say, while communicating, do we dominate the conversation or allow space for other people to contribute their few cents worth?

Not only at home, communication plays a part in every facet of our lives. It plays an important role in people-oriented jobs. Thus, when communication is involved, the etiquettes of conversing are vital in ensuring the equilibrium of both parties.

However, the art of listening is in the brink of extinction. Misunderstandings occur because sometimes, you snap out of an explanation and remain at loggerheads. None of you wants to give in. You refuse to listen.

When someone listens, we let this creative foundation inside us to bloom and expand. Why? Someone is willing to lend a listening ear. This motivates the speaker to cast up new thoughts and receive positive responses from the listener.

Listening increases our level of patience. There may be times when we disagree with our friends or family members. Mastering the art of listening would allow us not to press against them. Once upon a time ago, someone portrayed the importance of listening to me, thus increasing the level of patience. Since then, it’s a beautiful feeling.

Branda Ueland, a prolific author and columnist once quoted…

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We should all know this: that listening, not talking,
is the gifted and great role, and the imaginative role.
And the true listener is much more beloved, magnetic
than the talker, and he is more effective and learns more
and does more good
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Aligning with the Quran...

The believers' true patience, however, is very different from mere endurance. They are aware that Allah creates whatever happens to them for a reason, and that therefore it contains some hidden benefit. Knowing that Allah has determined the best possible destiny for them, they meet everything with pleasure and an open heart.

Allah tells the faithful to adopt this attitude in the following verse:
"Those who are steadfast and put their trust in their Lord"
(Surat al-'Ankabut, 59).

We never know that by listening, we may be able to learn or even share new things.

So, don’t just listen. Be a true listener. ^-^