Patch Aure

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]

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Patch Aure

Our departed loved ones carry a piece of us

Our departed loved ones carry a piece of us

If there is life after death and our departed loved ones carry a piece of us, then maybe, we can experience glimpses of heaven or the afterlife through them. And if we carry a piece of them, their spirit is able to live through us as we honor them.

Luke 20:27-38. Questions about the resurrection

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 310: NOVEMBER 6, 2022]

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Patch Aure

Walang Pasok Ngayon!

This is one of the greatest sentences I have ever uttered and heard as a student.  It evokes a deep sigh of relief, a loud cheer of exultation, and a flaunting sign of victory.  “Walang pasok ngayon!” is a statement now synonymous to a whole day romantic date, a barkada outing, and late night parties.  For the studious, this is a day off to prepare for a major quiz or a grand presentation.

Never mind why we do not have class today.  Never mind the reason behind the formalities, the rituals, and the superficial celebrations.  Never mind the meaning behind June 12.  Never mind if it is Philippine Independence Day. 

What matters is we have no classes today.

Now I have written the above paragraphs, I can hear President Noynoy’s speech about how we should thank our ancestors, our heroes, who shed blood and tears for us to be free.  I can hear schools telling students to research and write a reflection about how the Philippine Independence Day contributed to the Filipino’s freedom now.  One would even dare imagine and tell a compelling story on how Rizal and Bonifacio are smiling in heaven because their deaths have resulted into the freedom we are enjoying now!

All of these while life goes on for the busy students, for the busy parents willing to go to work to earn more.  All of these while people in the LRT will suffer lost phones and belongings from desperate countrymen.  All of these while the Maguindanao Massacre still has no closure.  All of these while the power resides in a chosen few.  All of these while the Philippines is still considered a third-world country.  Though, an “independent” one at that.

Yes, we are an “independent” and “free” nation.  But are all Filipinos truly independent and free to pursue who they want to be?

What is independence when the poor people are still dependent on the mercy of the upper class?

What is freedom when journalists, whistleblowers, and witnesses will be chopped to death for fighting for truth and justice?

What is independence when one would need to desperately kill and steal from his fellow countrymen to sustain one’s desire for a better life?

What is freedom when money can cheat the law and perpetuate the reign of the rich and the slavery of the poor?

Do not accuse indifference to people who see June 12 just as a no-work day.  Because truth be told, June 12 has transformed into a mere formality and celebration for most Filipino, an occasion whose benefits include a no-work day.

Let us dub June 12 as truly the Independence Day when majority of the Filipinos are indeed free to be who they want to be.  For now, let us be content on it being “Walang Pasok Ngayon” day.

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