Of all the communication skills, listening is the most demanding and the least mastered. An ancient philosopher once quoted as saying "We have been given 2 ears and but a single mouth in order that we may listen more and talk less."

First of all, we must want to listen. When one hears a mother's say, "clean up your room," he is suddenly deaf. He does not want to hear that. But when she just whispers, "Here's a quarter, go and get yourself an ice cream cone," he picks the softest signal loud and clear.

To listen we must pay attention. In listening we pay out our most personal and intimate treasure, our awareness, our interest, and our effort in order to receive something in return; a meaning, information, understanding or perhaps comfort or entertainment.

Listening is hard work, which is only we do not give our attention indiscriminately. And above all, listening is a gift. It has been described as one of the greatest gifts we can give each other. Listening requires the use of learned skills. Listening is the communication skill learned first and used most often. Yet, of all the communication skills, it is the least taught and least mastered.

So, practice your listening skills, it may be a key towards a peaceful universe.

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME! ;D