Listening vs hearing: why listening is THE skill to have

Because it makes the world better!

Why do I believe that listening is such an essential skill? In short: because it’s a sign for the capacity to have a healthy relationship, with ourselves and with the outside world.

If we look at the word “listening” and its related word “hearing”, one might think that they are very similar, yet they are not. The word “hearing” relates to the physical capacity to hear sounds, any type of sounds, spoken words, played music, nature sounds etc. If we are not deaf, we have the capacity to hear.

The capacity and ability to “listen” is something deeper, more profound and acquires more than a healthy physical hearing apparatus. For me it requires absolute presence & groundedness, honest interest and care, a willingness to receive and truly listen to either oneself or another human being. Without the need to comment, judge, find solutions or parallel scenarios in our own life.

So, what does it all mean in practical terms? For me in relation to myself it means, that I listen to my thoughts, emotions, feelings, body and intuition, with a focus on the last two aspects, as they are fundamental to understand who I truly am.

In relation to others it means, that I focus completely on the other person and listen to their words, sentences, emotions and feelings. It also means that I am open to perceive their energy as well: I pay attention to their body language, their facial expressions and the energy they spread.

I get out of my own head and direct my listening and attention externally, towards another person. At the same time, I stay connected to my physical and emotional body as much as possible, because it will perceive more than my ears. It is capable to read and feel the other persons energy.