Why no one is listening...

Seriously.
Why?
Today's danger is complacency.

 On a day-to-day basis, we turn on the TV to see what was the ridiculous drama today in our nation's government. And let me be clear, what we are witnessing has been a long time evolving. During Obama's presidency, the Republicans point blank REFUSED to accomplish anything "this President" hoped to accomplish. And now we have a Republican President, Republican Congressional leadership asking for and expecting common ground and I do not think that the tone is going to change in our government and our presidential leadership is not strong enough to know how to monitor and assist in common ground. Democrats are pissed and in a tit-for-tat type of mindset. So everything is filled with caustic drama. I don't see how this is going to change until a shock wave of voting take care of the situation in the near future, if even then.

 It has been divisive and toxic and hard to deal with.  

You have Congressmen who are being called day in and day out and are just voting without listening...voting with their own interests in focus...at least that is the case with our own Arkansas Congressmen.

In a world where we are witnessing, drama and turmoil and division, we have to be the change.

We have to STOP and begin to listen to each other.

On a day in and day out basis.

There are reasons we are where we are today.

People voted the way they did for a reason.

Chloe Chong, editor of Lifehack.com, created a list of possible reasons as to why no one is listening these days. The piece was titled, "Why No One Listening?"

1. People are too busy.

2. People are too focused on themselves.

3. People assumed they already know what the others would say.

4. People think that giving advice is more important than showing understanding.

5.People sometimes forget that everyone need to be heard, no matter how mentally strong he/she is.

6. People are mentally preparing what they are going to say in response to what is being said.

7. When we are taught listening skills, it is usually about listening exams, but not about daily conversations.

8. Everyone is so eager to be heard.

9. Listening is not easy at all.

10. Very few people realize that they need to really learn how to listen.

I

The other day, I caught myself thinking this very question...in a world where everyone just wants to be heard why no one is listening and just doing what they want...I think it is important to stop and regroup a bit, reminding ourselves that we need to stop and refocus on the basics. Remind yourself the basic thought of slowing down and really just opening up your ears to actually listen to what is being said. When you are in the middle of a conversation with another, remind yourself to stop interrupting and open up to what is being said, how it is being said, and what is the core of the point your partner is actually making., listening also to what they are not saying, which is just as important. And for crying out loud, don't feel the need to fix or offer suggestions, especially when they are not asked for. And allow silences to be there and not feel the need to interject or jump in. Perhaps not needed.

Let us go back to the very basics.

Remind ourselves of the importance that we must listen to each other.

No one deserves to not be heard.

If we can do this on our own level, to lead by example, we will hopefully get through these dramatic days and emerge better, truer, and more thoughtful.

Control what you can, my friends.

Let go of what you cannot control.

It is out of your control and not worth your energy.

Listen with your heart.

Listen with your ears and eyes open.

Carry on.