Listening to the heartbeat of others

You know what we all do instead…normally??  We tend to do one of the following: 1) Think about how we can help “fix” that person with what we say next 2) Let our eyes glaze over and act like we are listening 3) Respond with a comparison to our own lives and we actually think they want to hear that 4) LISTEN with compassion and understanding We all struggle to do number 4, but wouldn’t it be a better world if we did?  What if we all took the time to look at someone in the eyes, and “listen” to what their hearts were saying.  Not what words are coming from their mouths but to listen to what they are really trying to “say”. You see, I believe that we all have a very important story to share with those around us.  We share our stories by the lives we lead, the words we say, and how we act towards those around us each day. If we never take the time to listen to the people around us, our lives won’t be enriched by what their hearts have to say. The heartbeat of a person is their life.  When we go to the doctor, the doctor listens to our heart as an indicator of our health.   The doctor makes us hold very still and he patiently listens for the heart beat.  When our heart is beating normally – we feel well! This is how I feel it “looks” when we listen to someone else!  How is their heartbeat of life?  Sad, happy, at peace, troubled?   What are they REALLY trying to say to us? So why am I posting this and connecting it to patience?  Because TRUE listening means setting aside our own timelines, our agendas, our wants, and patiently putting someone ELSE above ourselves for their benefit.  Listening to their heartbeat and checking on their health!! Whew – tough stuff, but oh how we will be blessed if we will do so. Patient hearts, patient lives, and patient people – what a difference it will make!! — Rachel Curtis]]>