Signal fading, listen to what I’m saying
Testing, testing
This better be worth all of the breath I’m wasting–Elvis Costello/Radio Silence
Silent is an anagram for listen.
Coincidence?
Well, yeah, it’s a coincidence–but it’s one worth noting.
I am not a terrific listener sometimes. At work, it’s easier. I’m paid to pay attention. I’m paid to notice little details about what people are saying or not saying. Outside of work, it gets harder. There are a lot of distractions. The stereo, a book, a message from a friend on my phone. It’s too easy to multitask and nod like you’re listening when you really aren’t.
How often do you find yourself looking up from the phone or a book saying “I’m sorry, what were you saying?” If you are like me, it’s too often. So I try to do better, but it’s kind of hard sometimes.
A lot of people have trouble listening because they talk. I’m more prone to have trouble with a wandering mind. It’s really the same thing as talking, I’m just talking to myself in my head.
True confession: I’ve stopped writing about 20 times to do various things. Check the score on the Stanford game. Check the score on the ASU game. Look at my Twitter feed to see if anyone is talking about why Lyerla is suspended for a game. Clean the top of the stove. Get a drink of water. Put on lip gloss. Read a news story about a murder in Cedar Mill.
If I have this much trouble staying focused on what I’m saying to myself, it’s really no wonder that I have a hard time listening to other people. Yes, I think of this as talking to myself.
Clearly I’m not making as much improvement at being present as I thought I was, and listening is all about being present and really focusing your attention on what someone is saying.
Try, try again…
Were you saying something?
It’s not kind to say “I told you so.”
At least I’m good at the silent part, at least on the outside.