Have you heard?

GEETA RAMANUJAM, Bangalore

"Listen to the pouring rain! Listen to it pour!" This was a song I loved to listen to on the radio, when I was young. I imagined the scene, picturing the rain falling on the sloping roof. Listening is pleasant.

How often do you hear your parents say, "You are not listening to a thing I am saying!" Listening does not mean obeying. When you listen you are observant and allow the other person to speak. Have you noticed that you learn a lot when you listen? What happens when you hear the sound of a train pass by, or the chirping of the birds in the morning? A pleasant sensation comes over you. When you feel the sound of the wind or the bird that you are listening attentively.

It is however boring to listen to a nagging mother or a teacher who repeatedly keeps shouting "Keep quiet". The minute your teacher or your mother says, "Ram, have you not finished your..." You switch off. You have only half listened to what she says.

Try this - just listen to what the other person is saying. When you listen to someone, you are then able to understand your mother or your teacher better. When you are listening to loud music you talk louder and listen less. How does one develop the art of listening? Have a calm mind. Talk softly. Do not interrupt.

When you are travelling through a forest or a valley don't blast your music system. It frightens the birds and you will not be able to see the birds or animals or listen to them. When you get up in the morning try to listen to the morning sounds.

Listening is more difficult than reading. Good listening habits involve not only thinking and listening to your friend who is speaking but also help you to know your friend's thoughts. You can share many things when you listen. You will be surprised to find that you have a lot of friends because you can listen.

Avoid listening to your feelings and thoughts all the time. If an elderly person or a friend is trying to tell you something, listen and don't shut them off by thinking "Who is she/he to tell me this?" So, take time to listen. Don't judge the speaker. Just listen. Do not give any suggestions. Your friend just wants someone to listen to him. He does not want your advice.

It has been said, "People have ears but hear not."

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