A skilled listener

I used to think I had it all figured out.  I used to spout of my words as if they were THE DIVINE TRUTH.  Every memory that I had was 100% accurate.  Every thing that I believed was 100% true.  I would still listen to others, but I don't take it in.  My way, my view, my version was more right than theirs.  I didn't need to win them over, they were totally allowed their views, but mine were better.  I didn't need to hear theirs.

Now, looking back, I feel as if I just truly learned the definition of listen last year.  Before, maybe my version of listening, was to allow someone else to speak, while trying not to interupt (which I usually failed at, not interupting that is).  I was able to work out the not interupting part, but then I was just waiting for the other person to stop talking so I could get back to my view.  Did I actually take in what they were saying, though?

Now that true listening has come into my life and way of being, I am more present to what a lost skill this is in today's day and age.  Did I just call listening a skill?  I did, and I do believe this to be true.  Conversation is huge and it is really so powerful.  Imagine all of the amazing possibilities that can open up in your life and in the world, by having truthful, fully participated conversations.  Where all parties are speaking for themselves, listening to themselves on the inside and then sharing it, and the other parties are actively listening.  We don't all have to agree.  Not everything is for everyone, but I say a truer listening will allow each of us to diver deeper into ourselves and what we can become as people and in the bigger picture of our vast community on this earth.