It might sound far fetched but listening can help save a life. So much pain people are living in can be relieved if people only felt heard. If someone you know is struggling, take the time to listen. Get comfortable sitting in the silence. Hold space for their pain so they can put down the weight that’s crushing them. Even if just for a few minutes that can give a person hope that maybe they don’t need to struggle alone in the future. Maybe there is someone who is really hearing them.
Another way we can use listening for life is by being mindful when we’re in nature. Take a hike. Listen for five natural sounds. By natural I mean animals, the wind rustling through leaves, water trickling down a brook. Can you hear the snow fall? A water fall? A bird’s call? What natural sounds are in your environment?
Strengthening our listening skills not only helps build deeper connections with people; they hep foster a deeper connection with nature, and within ourselves.