The Gift of Understanding

Upon exploring the topic of "gifts," I have come to acknowledge that one of my "gifts" is the ability to mediate and lessen the divide between people by helping them to be able to openly listen to others' points of view. I believe that when we make the conscious effort to actively listen to one another, we allow ourselves to receive new, and quite possibly useful, information on a particular subject. 

Gathering data and expanding our base of knowledge gives us the power to make better, more informed decisions in our lives. It also allows us the opportunities to change our minds, to stand stronger in our convictions, and/or to "agree to disagree." But perhaps more importantly, this conscious effort - when combined with a pure and honest curiosity - creates a space for true understanding.

This is important when extending beyond our information-driven conscious minds and into the realm of our subconscious minds. It is our experiences in life that create the programs and inner workings of ourselves. These "programs" are in the driver's seat and have great influence over our decision-making opportunities as well. These "programs" are not easily identifiable within ourselves since they reside in our subconscious minds. However, we can get a glimpse of them when we enter into deeper conversations with one another, as we can often see ourselves through the mirror of others. 

So when we practice listening to others' points of view, we learn even more of ourselves by understanding them through their experiences. We can do this by asking them why they might feel a certain way and then truly listening to their responses. Although this might seem pretty straightforward, using this strategy in real-life isn't always easy. More often than not, we find ourselves thinking of our own agenda and whether or not we agree with what they are saying.

Hope is not lost, however. We get to build the muscle memory of actively listening to one another by practicing with each conversation and each passing day. Why? Because the ability to be an inquisitive and curious listener is an incredibly awesome gift that we should challenge ourselves to realize more often. Why? Because realizing this gift more often will move us closer to possessing the greater gift available to us: The Gift of Understanding. 

Not only will this gift teach us so much about one another, ourselves, and the world around us, but it will also become available to others when we use it to mediate and lessen the divide between people by helping them to openly listen to one another. Who knows how quickly The Gift of Understanding might spread and create a better world for all of us!

*In the spirit of today's blogpost, I challenge you (1) to practice your active listening skills in a conversation today, whether that conversation be in-person or over the phone, then take note and/or journal about your experience; and (2) to open a conversation about this blogpost in the comments below by expressing your thoughts. I'd love to hear your point of view and learn about the experiences that shape you. 

Just remember to keep it kind. This is a place of growth and understanding, and there is no room here for anything else!