"The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them."~ Ralph Nichols

The ability to listen is a wonderful gift. Somedays listening comes easy for me but there are days my tongue desires more time in action than my ears. On those days there is little that has been learned or understood because my words get in the way of understanding others. I am supremely grateful for the work put in to being a good listener. A person who listens is a treasure. The quiet moments in life allow us to hear the inner voice that offers wisdom. Listening offers a chance to understand others and learn where they are coming from. Contemplating another’s point of view builds bridges of understanding.

To find an image that captures listening was a stretch so when in a pinch I go to our girl. Dogs want to understand what is said by their people. They embody the visual for listening with their penetrating eyes, attention, and silence. She can give us her full attention and focus when she wants to. There was no food involved here, but there was the chance of retrieving her floaty in the creek if she just paid attention.

I am grateful for the benefits of listening and my desire to improve on this wonderful trait.

"If you just learn a single trick, Scout, you`ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view . . . until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it." ~ Atticus Finch -To Kill A Mockingbird

Peace