I once heard a story of a young man who asked his doctor for a remedy for his headache. The doctor looked at this young man with concern, asking him what happened to his arm. This arm, the youngster explained, grew onto his rib cage because it was damaged in a fire when he was a baby. The doctor turned his compassion and concern into action by contacting a plastic surgeon and other medical personnel to fix this arm. After a while and many procedures and operations when the team removed the bandages, the young man had a fully functional arm. The doctor was delighted and his patient perplexed. After a while, he was back in the doctor’s room. The doctor wanted to know why. “Doctor, I still have the headache,” the young man answered.
I wonder how many times we do this to others. We hear words but fail to actively listen. We then presume what the other person needs and act on it. And, is then disgusted if the person does not take or appreciate our gift.
This gift is like giving water to a drowning person; it adds no value to that person’s life.
We all feel at times overwhelmed by the many voices and responsibilities demanding a piece of us. But, what if those around you need you to get quiet and be there for them?
Listening is easy. It is only in the doing that it happens. Sit still, look your talker in the eye and let that person feel that you are interested in the conversation. Take time to confirm what the speaker has said, to ensure you have heard correctly and not have to presume action about the preferred outcome.
Copyright Annalie Anticevich© March 2024
Photo: www.sightmd.com
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