Trouble Free Listening

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"Be a good listener. Your ears will never get you in trouble.".... Frank Tyger

Really listening is an art form. Those who do it well are in very high demand. Hearing will never require the eating of crow, and no back peddling or damage control is ever necessary. If it's done correctly it eases sorrow of every sort at a price anyone could easily afford. The only thing that some people find really difficult is in fighting the urge to retell things meant for their ears alone.

Idle gossip can instantly change a purely positive healing experience into a negative weapon of soul destruction. The fact that it's so difficult to tell the difference between a good listener with pure motives and one with a self serving agenda makes it all the harder to trust anyone. A gossip never earns any respect; possessing a big mouth truly isn't a reason for celebration. Nobody likes a tattletale! But being a good listener... a trustworthy confidant... and a compassionate soul is its own reward.

Finding someone who truly understands is as priceless as discovering  a bottomless treasure chest. A kindred spirit becomes a forever friend in the blink of an eye. The joy a good listener feels at being some comfort is just payment for any time spent as a sounding board. And they know by instinct that to retell a story that doesn't belong to them will earn a swift and sound karma- kick. Not my story to tell is a good solid answer to any inappropriate questions put to you by anyone. When you feel just a bit put out by even being asked it's always a pleasure to simply answer that their request for information will be passed on to the one with all the answers.

When someone erupts and begins venting all they really want is someone with open ears who won't detour the rant with unasked for advice. It's difficult to have all that emotion going into your ears and not hunger to help somehow, but silent concern is the most precious kind of input during eruptions. Later they may demand more attention and seek advice. But to offer anything besides open ears without an invitation is the fastest way to return them to total silence.

Really listen. Open your ears, and close your mouth and do some magic repair to someone else's balance. And as always.... think about it.... let it ride.... then you decide!!!!