This Friday, November 27, 2009 is the National Day of Listening. It seems ironic that we need to assign a “National Day” when there is so much out there to hear. It points out a useful distinction between “hearing” something and “listening”. Hearing is the passive approach. Listening the active. Think of our expressions: “I heard in passing….” or “Listen! Did you hear that?” Listening is a mindful act. When we really listen we choose to pay attention on purpose, rising above distractions. This enables us to hear the things that touch our hearts and minds. It takes believing that listening attentively can have rich rewards. It takes discipline to make space for that which we believe is worth listening to, and it takes practice. So maybe a National Day of Listening is a good thing. It offers us the opportunity to practice the listening that brings meaning to our lives. It also gives us the chance to create for others more that is worth listening too. Are you up for it?
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The importance of listening plays a major role in our accomplishments and daily activities. I agree with your encouragement of the National Day of Listening. Life offers many opportunities that we allow to pass us by because of our inability to listen when needed. We tend to hear our own voices and thoughts over others. Without realizing the limitations that we are placing upon ourselves in narrowing our opportunity to listen, we are not only limiting our growth, but the growth of others. I believe that listening is a universal opportunity that extends human communication through sound and emotion. On a day like the National Day of Listening, if we just stop to pay attention to what is being discussed around us, we may all actually hear something that changes someone’s life.