What it Means to Listen

Listening is an act of patience. It is an act of respect. It is an act of simplicity — gentle, yet powerful. Though sometimes, merely listening to one can be difficult. Our impatience stirs us, our frustration drives us, our annoyance pushes us to shut our ears and speak only our opinion. We tend to ignore what one is saying, and we even gravitate away from what our internal selves are whispering —

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To Listen to Others

Making an honest effort to listen to others — others’ opinions, thoughts, and experiences — is an important gesture. Though it may be hard, let’s learn to be slow to speak and quick to listen. Simply listening to and trying to understand one can go a long way. Listening is an act of kindness. 

To Listen to Yourself

Lean in to listen to your internal self. What is it saying? Listen to what your body is craving — to move, to stretch, to rest, to work, to drink, to eat, to jump, to leap. To push yourself negatively into doing something isn’t listening, neither is neglecting the gentle whispers deep in our hearts. Listening is an act of self-love.

xx Solaia