The art of listening is a giving and un-egotistical activity. But, we are all somewhat egotistical by our very nature. While we know the world exists and does not revolve around us, we wish that it did; at least to an extent. This is often recognized when we talk to others. We might wait impatiently to speak rather than listening while someone else talks. We might “zone” out if we are not interested. we might notice when others do these things to us.

We all probably do this to a lesser or greater extent. We see it all of the time. Those that “check” their phones or “multitask” while someone is trying to have an intentional conversation with them. This is not listening. Listening takes work if not interest in the person if not the topic.

To listen is to be generous with our time. It is to give something precious over to someone else. To listen is to be involved in what it is to be a person rather than just a human being with an ability. We understand by listening. We learn by listening. The world is aural and as we make our way through it we can listen to the universe sing if we so choose.

It is ironic that it is noise that keeps us from listening. It is everywhere, pumped in by lost souls and those that fear truth and silence in all their forms. It is the noise of our inundated lives, of bad decisions and lost causes. These things keep us from giving our attention to others because we are lost in our own lives.

But if we listen closely through the noise and the turmoil we can hear the beauty of a single songbird, or a friend who needs a shoulder, or the laugh of someone we love. If we listen closely we can hear the silence that we’ve needed in our lives as well as learn a thing or two.