Hearing vs Listening, The Paradox
To Hear: The process, function, and degree of comprehending sound or words, specifically: the special sense by which noises, tones, and words are received as stimuli. To Listen: To pay attention to sound and words; to hear something with thoughtful attention; and to give consideration. Hearing is a meeting of the minds. It is the common denominator. It is the agreement (not necessarily in principle) that everything has been understood in the same way. It is the acute engagement of all of the senses, with specific attention to words, tone, volume, and patterns. Hearing a conversation is the heightened act of listening. It goes beyond listening, to include also body language, cardiac and pulmonary responses, and the traditional eye movement litany. Hearing occurs in the conscious and unconscious state, to include the levels of sleep. The so very wary constant hum of all forms of messaging, electronic devices, entertainment, work, television, radio, texting, ancillary conversations, and much more. The mystical bodies of THIS are summarized throughout most forms of culture in one form or another, the all-knowing, the all-hearing, the all-seeing. What a profound statement on topic. Listening requires no expenditure of effort, while hearing requires deliberate intent, energy, and work. Here are 7 degrees of pro-active listening with the intent to comprehend and hear:
Listening to Repeat - This cornerstone is memorization.
Listening to Learn - This type of listening requires critical thought analysis.
Discriminative Listening - Managing of all bias, prejudice, and predisposition.
Selective Listening - This requires no explanation.
Listening Just to Respond - Again, no explanation is needed.
Sympathetic Listening - Although always a favorite, it is driven by emotion, not achievement of message.
Comprehensive Listening - This is well intended and purposeful. Although be wary. This is a slippery slope.
The Mystical Body of Listening These three subjects will be discussed in an upcoming Mindful Monday. Listening to your gut. Listen to your heart. Seek and listen to your inner voice.
“Listening is the loudest form of kindness.” - Anonymous