The trap of hearing without seeking to understand

The trap of hearing without seeking to understand

It’s easy to fall into the trap of hearing what someone says without making an effort to truly understand their perspective. We’ve all been guilty of half-listening while someone is speaking and simply waiting for our turn to respond.

However, when we don’t take the time to actively listen and comprehend where the other person is coming from, we miss out on opportunities to learn, grow and connect. Assumptions get made, feelings get hurt and arguments ensue all because we hear the words spoken but don’t dig deeper into the meaning behind them.

Seeking to understand takes patience, empathy and an open mind. We have to tune into not just the literal words being said but the context, emotions and experiences that color their meaning. This takes presence and the willingness to be curious about another viewpoint that may differ from our own. When we make this effort, conversations become richer and more rewarding. We gain insight that challenges us to think differently. And even if we still don’t entirely agree after understanding someone else’s perspective, we can better appreciate where they are coming from and why they feel that way.

Approaching discussions with this kind of depth allows us to bypass superficiality and make real human connections.

—
Matthew 13:18-23. The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the Kingdom without understanding it, and the Evil One comes and steals away what was sown in his heart.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-209: JULY 28, 2023]